Sentence Structure: Complements: Subject Complements

Subject Complements: Completing the Picture of the Subject

What is a subject complement?

A subject complement is a word or group of words that comes after a linking verb and tells us more about the subject of a sentence. It’s like adding the final piece to a puzzle, helping us understand the subject better.

Linking Verbs: The Bridge Builders

Think of linking verbs as bridges between the subject and its complement. They don’t show action; instead, they connect the two.

• Common linking verbs: am, is, are, was, were, become, seem, feel, look, sound, taste

Types of Subject Complements

1. Predicate Nominative (Noun or Pronoun): This renames or identifies the subject.

   • Example: My brother is a doctor.
   • She became the president of the company.
   • It was she who solved the mystery.

2. Predicate Adjective: This describes the subject.

   • Example: The flowers smell lovely.
   • He looks tired.
   • The food tastes delicious.

Let’s Practice!

1. Identify the Subject Complement:

   • Underline the subject complement in each sentence:
     • My cat is a Siamese.
     • The music sounds beautiful.
     • She became a famous writer.

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

   • The sky looks ________.
   • My friend is ________.
   • The soup tastes ________.

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

   • Try to use a predicate nominative in one sentence and a predicate adjective in the other two.

Challenge!

Write a short paragraph about your best friend. Use subject complements to describe their personality, job, or any other qualities.