Glossary: Subject Complement

Resources

Explanation

A function label for an element in the clause which comes after a linking verb and describes a person or thing picked out by the Subject. E.g. This soup is delicious; Sarah is a good swimmer. See also Complement, Object Complement.

Direct Object or Subject Complement?

Is the highlighted Complement a Direct Object or a Subject Complement?

Identify the Subject Complement

Find the Subject Complement in a range of examples

Identify the Subject Complement in each of the following examples. Click on the words that mark the start and end of the Subject Complement.

Object Complement or Subject Complement?

Is the highlighted Complement a Subject Complement or Object Complement?

Subject Complement

Consider the highlighted phrases in the examples below.

The rice is marvellous. _{[S1A-022 #262]}
He was a really nice guy. _{[S1A-006 #21]}

Each of the highlighted phrases adds information about the person or thing picked out by the Subject. Marvellous attributes a property to the rice, and a really nice guy does the same for he.

These phrases have different forms but the same function.

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