Page 57 - English Grammar - 6

Let’s Learn Complements

Some verbs like be, seem, appear tell us not only about an action but also about a state.
They are called incomplete verbs, and the word needed to give them a complete meaning
is called a complement.
Read the following sentences.

Sheetal is. Vikram seems. It appears.
l l l
None of the groups of words seem to make complete sense.

Now, read the following sentences.

Sheetal is happy. Vikram seems sad.
l l
It appears doubtful.
l
These sentences make complete sense.

Complements are of two kinds: subject complement and object complement.
When a noun or an adjective complement the noun or pronoun at the place of subject, it is
called the subject complement. For example:

Dr Pratap is highly skilled. He is a doctor.
l l

subject subject complement subject subject complement
When the additional word tells us something about the object, it is called the object
complement. For example:

We found the reports helpful. They elected him captain.
l l

object object complement object object complement

Practice Time 3

In the sentences given below, the underlined words are complements. Identify and write
whether they are subjective or objective.
1. They called Hitler a dictator. _______________

2. They judged her the most talented. _______________
3. It seems hazy. _______________

4. Regular exercise has made us quite fit. _______________
5. Uncle appears worried. _______________

6. People called the minister a liar. _______________ Verbs
7. We found the film entertaining. _______________

8. The jury found him guilty. _______________

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