Sentence Structure: Complements: Predicate Complements

Predicate Complements: The Dynamic Duo with Action Verbs

What are predicate complements?

Predicate complements are words or groups of words that complete the meaning of a sentence after an action verb. They give us more information about the action and the object of the verb, creating a stronger image in our minds.

Action Verbs: The Action Stars

Remember, action verbs show us something happening. Predicate complements tag along with action verbs to make the action more specific and interesting.

• Common examples of action verbs: give, make, elect, name, consider, choose

Types of Predicate Complements

1. Direct Objects: These are the nouns or pronouns that receive the action of the verb directly. They answer the question “what?” or “whom?”

   • Example: She baked a cake.
   • The teacher praised her students.

2. Indirect Objects: These are the nouns or pronouns that tell us to whom or for whom the action is done.

   • Example: He gave his mother a gift.
   • They sent me a letter.

3. Object Complements: These are nouns, pronouns, or adjectives that describe or rename the direct object.

   • Example: They elected him president.
   • We named the cat Whiskers.
   • She painted the wall blue.

Let’s Practice!

1. Identify the Predicate Complements:

   • Underline the predicate complement(s) in each sentence:
     • They considered the plan a success. (direct object, object complement)
     • She bought her daughter a new bike. (indirect object, direct object)
     • The class chose Maria as their representative. (direct object, object complement)

2. Complete the Sentence: Fill in the blank with an appropriate predicate complement:

   • She baked her friend a delicious ________. (cake, pie, cookies)
   • They named their new puppy ________. (Max, Bella, Buddy)
   • The company appointed him ________. (manager, CEO, vice president)

3. Make Your Own Sentences: Write three sentences using predicate complements.

   • Try to use a direct object, indirect object, and object complement in different sentences.

Challenge!

Write a short story about a superhero. Use predicate complements to describe their actions and powers. For example, “The superhero threw the villain into the air.” (direct object)