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Sentence Structure

OBJECTIVE
Complements

A complement is a word which completes the meaning of a verb. It may be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. There are six
kinds of complements in this exercise. Different kinds of verbs take different kinds of complements. You need to be able
to recognize complements for two reasons. First, the form of a pronoun often depends on whether it is used as a subject or
as a complement. Second, in reading you will find that if you are able to identify the subject, verb, and complement in a
sentence, you will have perceived the main thought. This is particularly helpful in reading poetry, prose containing long,
involved sentences, or any material in which the sentences are in transposed order.
1. Transitive Verb
A transitive verb is one which takes a direct object, the object being a receiver of the action or a result of the action.
1. 1. Direct Object
A direct object is the receiver of the action or the result of the action of a transitive verb. It is a noun or pronoun.
Examples: Yesterday we picked several bushels of apples.
Our parents loved us well.
1. 2. Indirect Object
An indirect object is a noun or pronoun showing to or for whom the action of a transitive verb is performed. It is a
noun or pronoun. It is placed before the direct object and is never found in a prepositional phrase.
Examples: Did you give Helen the message from your brother?
Oh, Mother, what did you bring us? (Note that in an interrogative sentence you must put the
sentence in normal order: [You did bring us what?])
1. 3. Objective Complement
An objective complement is a noun or pronoun which completes the meaning of the direct object. It follows a verb
of naming, calling, choosing, etc.
Example: After much thought Dickens named his novel Bleak House.
2. Intransitive Verb
All verbs which are not transitive are intransitive. These verbs require no objects. They are divided into two classes.
2. 1. Intransitive Linking Verb
An intransitive linking verb connects the subject to a noun, pronoun, or adjective in the predicate which renames
the subject or describes it. All forms of the verbs be, seem, become, appear, feel, taste, smell, and a few others are
commonly used as linking verbs.
Examples:
Polly has been my friend for three years.
The losers were she and I.
That dress looks attractive on you.
2.1.1
Predicate Nominative
A noun or pronoun in the predicate which renames the subject is called a predicate nominative. In the
sentences under the explanation of intransitive linking verbs, friends, she and I are predicate nominatives.
2.1.2. Predicate Adjective
A predicate adjective is an adjective in the predicate which describes the subject. In the sentences under the
explanation of intransitive linking verbs, attractive is a predicate adjective.
2. 2. Intransitive Complete Verb
A verb which requires no complement is called an intransitive complete verb. It may have modifiers.
Example:
The children have been playing happily for several hours.
( adv. /prep. phrase used as adverb.)