Verb complements are an essential part of English grammar, often overlooked by language learners. Understanding verb complements can significantly improve both your spoken and written English. Verb complements follow a verb and complete its meaning. They can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, infinitive phrases, or clauses. This article will delve into the various types of verb complements, how they function in sentences, and why they are important for achieving fluency and accuracy in English.
Types of Verb Complements
Verb complements can be divided into several categories: direct objects, indirect objects, object complements, subject complements, and verb phrases. Each type serves a unique function in a sentence.
Direct Objects
A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence “She read the book,” “the book” is the direct object because it receives the action of the verb “read.” Direct objects answer the question “what?” or “whom?” after a verb. Here are some more examples:
– I cooked dinner.
– They found the treasure.
– She loves him.
Indirect Objects
An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that receives the direct object. In other words, it is the entity for whom or to whom the action is performed. For instance, in the sentence “He gave her a gift,” “her” is the indirect object because she is the one receiving the gift. Indirect objects usually come between the verb and the direct object. They answer the question “to whom?” or “for whom?” after a verb. Examples include:
– She told him a story.
– I sent my friend a letter.
– They offered the guests some tea.
Object Complements
An object complement is a word or phrase that follows and modifies or renames a direct object. It can be an adjective, noun, or pronoun. For instance, in the sentence “They elected her president,” “president” is the object complement because it renames the direct object “her.” Here are more examples:
– We considered the project a success.
– They named their son John.
– The committee appointed him chairman.
Subject Complements
A subject complement follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject. It can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” “blue” is the subject complement because it describes the subject “the sky.” Subject complements answer the question “what?” or “who?” after a linking verb. Examples include:
– She seems tired.
– The winner is he.
– The cake smells delicious.
Verb Phrases
Verb phrases consist of a main verb and one or more helping (auxiliary) verbs. These phrases can also include complements that add additional information. For instance, in the sentence “She has been working on the project,” “working on the project” is the verb phrase, and “on the project” is the complement providing more information about what she has been working on. More examples are:
– They will be arriving soon.
– He has finished his homework.
– I am considering a new job.
Why Verb Complements Are Important
Understanding verb complements is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help clarify the meaning of sentences. Without complements, verbs can be vague or incomplete. For example, saying “She gave” leaves the listener wondering “gave what?” or “gave to whom?” Adding complements like “She gave him a gift” provides complete and clear information.
Secondly, verb complements are vital for achieving grammatical accuracy. Incorrect use or omission of complements can lead to misunderstandings and awkward sentences. For instance, “He called happy” is incorrect because it lacks a direct object. The correct sentence would be “He called her happy,” where “her” is the direct object and “happy” is the object complement.
Moreover, verb complements enhance the richness and complexity of your language. By using a variety of complements, you can create more detailed and nuanced sentences. For example, instead of saying “She is reading,” you can say “She is reading a fascinating book about history,” providing more depth and interest to your statement.
Common Mistakes with Verb Complements
Language learners often make mistakes with verb complements, especially when transferring rules from their native language to English. Some common errors include:
Omitting Complements
One frequent mistake is omitting complements, leading to incomplete sentences. For example, “She gave” is incomplete without a direct object. Always ensure that your sentences have the necessary complements to make them complete and meaningful.
Incorrect Word Order
Another common mistake is incorrect word order, especially with indirect objects. For instance, “She gave to him a gift” is awkward and incorrect. The correct order is “She gave him a gift.” Remember that indirect objects usually come before direct objects.
Using the Wrong Type of Complement
Learners might use the wrong type of complement, especially with linking verbs. For example, “She seems happily” is incorrect because “happily” is an adverb, not a subject complement. The correct sentence would be “She seems happy,” where “happy” is an adjective serving as the subject complement.
Practice Exercises
To master verb complements, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you:
Identify the Complements
In the following sentences, identify the direct objects, indirect objects, object complements, and subject complements:
1. She made him a promise.
2. The sky turned orange.
3. They considered the plan a failure.
4. He gave her a bouquet of flowers.
5. The food tastes delicious.
Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences by adding or adjusting the verb complements:
1. She gave.
2. They named their daughter.
3. He called happy.
4. The teacher gave to the students homework.
5. The cake smells wonderfully.
Create Your Own Sentences
Create sentences using the following verbs and include appropriate complements:
1. Offer
2. Appoint
3. Call
4. Consider
5. Find
Advanced Topics in Verb Complements
Once you have a good grasp of basic verb complements, you can explore more advanced topics, such as complex sentences and phrasal verbs.
Complex Sentences
Complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Verb complements can appear in both types of clauses. For example, in the sentence “I believe that she will succeed,” “that she will succeed” is a dependent clause serving as the complement of the verb “believe.” Understanding how complements function in complex sentences can help you create more sophisticated and varied sentence structures.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). The meaning of phrasal verbs often differs from the main verb alone, and they can take complements. For instance, in “She looked up the word,” “up” is the particle, and “the word” is the direct object. Phrasal verbs can be tricky because the particle often changes the verb’s meaning, so learning them in context is crucial.
Conclusion
Verb complements play a vital role in English grammar, providing clarity, accuracy, and richness to your sentences. By understanding the different types of complements and their functions, you can significantly improve your language skills. Practice identifying and using verb complements in various sentences to become more confident and proficient in English. Remember, the key to mastering verb complements is consistent practice and application in both spoken and written language.
