Page 124 - English Grammar - 8

Let’s Learn Complements

We have learnt that transitive verbs need an object to make complete sense. The word
which is needed to complete the meaning of a sentence is called a complement.

Complements are of two types.
Subject complement Object complement
O O

Subject Complement

A subject complement is a word or phrase that describes the subject. It can be an adjective,
a noun or a pronoun. For example:
Julie is smart. (adjective)
O
Are you sure it is her? (pronoun)
O
Sharad is a manager. (noun)
O

Object Complement

An object complement tells us about the object of a verb. It is required to complete the
meaning of the object of the verb. It can be a noun or an adjective. For example:
Music makes me happy.
O
The team elected Mohan captain.
O
Practice Time 2

A. State whether the underlined words or groups of words are subject complements or
object complements.
Structure of Sentences
1. Ballu called Harish. _______________
2. Rakesh is a postman. _______________

3. The mules carried the tents. _______________

4. The soup smells delicious. _______________
5. A truck crossed the bridge. _______________

6. That pink dress was what I was looking for. _______________
7. They named the boy Christy. _______________

8. She made her next move immediately. _______________
9. She looked stunning. _______________

10. I thought him a great man. _______________
B. State whether the highlighted words or groups of words are direct objects, indirect objects
or subject complements.
1. Please show me the way. _______________
2. That material looks fragile. _______________
3. The teacher gave us a free period. _______________

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