Complements

Definition

Complements are elements in a sentence that provide additional information about the subject or object, completing the meaning of a verb or noun. They are essential for conveying complete thoughts and are often required to fulfill the grammatical requirements of certain verbs, making them crucial in understanding sentence structure and meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Complements can be noun phrases, adjective phrases, or clauses that provide essential information to complete the meaning of a verb or noun.
2. Certain verbs require specific types of complements, known as 'complement-taking verbs', such as 'consider' which requires a noun clause as a complement.
3. Complements differ from adjuncts; while complements are necessary to complete the meaning, adjuncts provide extra detail and can be omitted without losing essential meaning.
4. In tree diagrams, complements are typically represented as branches extending from the verb or noun they complete, illustrating their grammatical role in the sentence structure.
5. The distinction between complements and modifiers is important; complements directly relate to the core meaning of the verb or noun, whereas modifiers add descriptive detail.

Review Questions

• How do complements differ from adjuncts in sentence structure?
  • Complements and adjuncts serve different purposes in sentence structure. Complements are essential elements that complete the meaning of a verb or noun and cannot be omitted without changing the core message. In contrast, adjuncts provide additional information that enhances the context but is not necessary for understanding the main action or idea. This distinction is vital for analyzing sentence construction and understanding how different parts work together.
• Discuss the role of complement-taking verbs in determining the structure of a sentence.
  • Complement-taking verbs dictate what type of complements must follow them in a sentence. For example, a verb like 'believe' requires a clause as its complement, while 'consider' needs a noun phrase. This relationship influences how sentences are formed, as it establishes specific grammatical requirements that shape their structure. Understanding these requirements is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences and analyzing their meanings.
• Evaluate how tree diagrams represent the relationship between verbs and their complements in syntax.
  • Tree diagrams visually represent the hierarchical structure of sentences, illustrating how verbs relate to their complements. In these diagrams, complements are shown as branches stemming from the verb, highlighting their essential role in completing its meaning. This graphical representation helps clarify the grammatical relationships within sentences, allowing for a better understanding of how language functions at a structural level. By analyzing these diagrams, one can see how different elements interact to form coherent expressions.

Related terms

Subjects: The part of a sentence that indicates who or what is performing the action of the verb.

Objects: Words or phrases that receive the action of a verb, typically answering the question 'what?' or 'whom?'.

Adjuncts: Optional elements in a sentence that provide additional information but are not necessary to complete the meaning.