What is Complement in English Grammar: Definition, Types and Sentence Examples

Have you ever noticed how some sentences feel incomplete without certain words? In English grammar, these important words are known as complements. Complements play a key role in completing the meaning of a sentence and helping you express your thoughts clearly. In this guide, you will learn what a complement is, its meaning and definition, and how it is used in different sentence structures. You will also explore the various types of complements along with simple examples to help you understand how they function.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Complement in English Grammar?
• Types of Complements in English Grammar
• Complement vs. Object
• Complement vs. Modifier
• How to Identify Complements in Sentences​
• Common Verbs That Take Complements
• Sentences Without Complements
• Summary

What Is a Complement in English Grammar?

A complement provides essential information that completes the sense of a sentence. Without it, the sentence would feel incomplete or unclear. Complements work closely with verbs, subjects, or objects and help deliver the intended message accurately. By identifying them correctly, you can form better sentences.

Definition of Complement

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject or an object. It adds necessary information that the verb alone cannot express.
Example: Aditya is happy.
“Happy” is the complement because it completes the meaning of “Aditya is”.

Why Are Complements Important?

Complements are essential because they:

• Make sentences complete

• Add clarity and detail

• Help describe or identify people, places, or things

• Improve sentence structure and communication

Types of Complements in English Grammar

Complements are of various types, each serving a specific function in a sentence. To understand them well, let us study the classifications with clear explanations and examples. These categories also help you to recognise how verbs and complements work together.

Subject Complement 

A subject complement provides more information about the subject of the sentence. It usually follows a linking verb such as is, am, are, was, were, become, seem, etc.
Subject complements help identify or describe the subject in a clearer manner.

Types of Subject Complements

Subject complements can be of two kinds:

1. Predicate Noun (Noun Complement)

A predicate noun renames or identifies the subject.
Example: My sister is a doctor.

2. Predicate Adjective (Adjective Complement)

A predicate adjective describes the subject.
Example: The sky looks beautiful.

Examples of Subject Complements

• The students are excited.

• My father became the principal.

• The weather seems pleasant.

Object Complement

Object complements give additional information about the object of the sentence. They often come after the direct object and show what the object has become or how it is described. Object complements usually appear with verbs such as make, call, elect, name, and find.

Types of Object Complements

Object complements can be:

1. Noun Object Complement

Example: They elected Sara captain.
“Captain” renames “Sara”.

2. Adjective Object Complement

Example: The joke made him furious.
“Furious” describes “him”.

Examples of Object Complements

• The teacher considered the project excellent.

• The group chose Maya as their leader.

• Hard work made the task easy.

Complement of Verbs 

Some verbs require a complement to make their meaning complete. These verbs are called incomplete verbs or complement-taking verbs. Verb complements help complete the idea expressed by the verb.

Examples:

• She became tired.

• The plan sounds interesting.

• He turned pale.

Why Verb Complements Matter

They:

• Clarify the action

• Add more information

• Create complete thoughts

Complement vs. Object

Students often confuse complements with objects. However, both function differently in a sentence. Understanding this difference helps avoid grammar mistakes.

Key Differences

Example

• Complement: Rita is intelligent.

• Object: Rita reads books.

Complement vs. Modifier 

Modifiers add optional information, whereas complements add essential meaning. Removing a modifier does not affect the basic meaning, but removing a complement does.

Examples

• Modifier: The girl danced gracefully.
  (“Gracefully” is optional)

• Complement: The girl is a dancer.
  (“A dancer” is essential)

How to Identify Complements in Sentences

Before jumping into ‘common verbs that can take complements’, learning how to identify complements is important. You can find them by following simple steps.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Identify the verb.

2. Check if the verb needs extra information.

3. Look for words that complete the sense of the subject or object.

4. Confirm if the word renames or describes something.

Examples

• The soup smells delicious. → “Delicious” is the complement.

• They made him captain. → “Captain” is the complement.

Common Verbs That Take Complements

Some verbs almost always require complements. Knowing these helps you to construct sentences easily.

Linking Verbs

• is, am, are

• become

• appear

• seem

• feel

• look

• remain

Verbs Used with Object Complements

• make

• call

• name

• choose

• elect

• consider

Sentences Without Complements

Not all sentences require complements. Some verbs are complete verbs with complete meaning on their own. However, learners must know when complements are required and when they are optional.

Examples of Sentences Without Complements

• Birds fly.

• The baby cried.

• They laughed.

Summary

Complements play a vital role in giving sentences their complete and meaningful form. Whether identifying the subject, describing the object, or completing the meaning of a verb, complements help improve sentence clarity and accuracy. By practising with examples and understanding the different types, students can form more confident and grammatically sound sentences.

Learn More: Subject and Predicate: Definition, Examples and Usage