Complements in English Grammar. What Is a Complement in English Grammar? More Than 100 Example Sentences with Complements

Complements in English Grammar

English grammar is built on structure, clarity, and meaning. While subjects and verbs often receive the most attention, complements play an equally vital role in completing and clarifying sentence meaning. Without complements, many sentences remain incomplete, vague, or grammatically incorrect.

Consider this sentence:

She is.

At first glance, it feels unfinished. The listener naturally expects more information. Now compare it with:

She is a teacher.

The word teacher completes the meaning. This word is a complement.

Complements are essential sentence elements that complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun. They are not optional extras; they are necessary for grammatical completeness in many structures. Understanding complements helps learners form accurate sentences, improve spoken and written English, and perform better in exams and professional communication.

This guide explains what complements are, their types, rules, differences from objects and modifiers, common mistakes, and practical examples, making it one of the most detailed resources on complements in English grammar.

What Is a Complement in English Grammar?

A complement is a word, phrase, or clause that is required to complete the meaning of another word in a sentence. Complements typically follow verbs, adjectives, or nouns, and they provide essential information.

Simple Definition:

A complement is a sentence element that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun.

Key Characteristics of Complements

They are necessary for meaning
They complete the sense of a sentence
Removing them often makes the sentence incomplete or unclear
They are different from optional modifiers

Example:

The sky became dark.

The word dark is a complement because the verb became requires it to complete its meaning.

Why Complements Are Important?

Complements are crucial for several reasons:

They ensure grammatical correctness
They clarify meaning
They help distinguish between sentence patterns
They improve fluency in speaking and writing
They are frequently tested in grammar exams

Without complements, many verbs such as be, seem, become, feel, and appear cannot function properly.

Complements vs Objects: Understanding the Difference

Many learners confuse complements with objects. While both may follow verbs, they serve different grammatical roles.

Objects

Objects receive the action of the verb.

Example:
She reads a book.

Here, a book is the object because it receives the action of reads.

Complements

Complements describe or rename the subject or object.

Example:
She is a teacher.

Here, a teacher does not receive an action. It describes the subject she.

Key Difference

Objects answer what or whom.
Complements explain what something is or what it becomes.

Main Types of Complements in English Grammar

Complements can be classified into several major categories based on their function and position in a sentence.

Subject Complement

A subject complement follows a linking verb and gives more information about the subject. It either renames or describes the subject.

Common Linking Verbs

be (is, am, are, was, were)
become
seem
appear
feel
look
sound
smell
taste

Types of Subject Complements

Subject complements are of two main types:

Predicate Nominative
Predicate Adjective

Predicate Nominative (Predicate Noun)

A predicate nominative is a noun or noun phrase that follows a linking verb and renames the subject.

Example:
Rahul is an engineer.

Here, engineer renames Rahul.

More Examples

She became a doctor.
My brother is a teacher.
That man is the leader.
Her dream was success.

Key Point

The subject and predicate nominative refer to the same person or thing.

Predicate Adjective

A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

Example:
The weather is pleasant.

Here, pleasant describes the weather.

More Examples

The food tastes delicious.
She looks confident.
He feels tired.
The room became silent.

Key Point

Predicate adjectives describe the subject, not the verb.

Object Complement

An object complement gives more information about the object of a sentence. It usually follows the direct object and explains what the object has become or what it is considered to be.

Structure

Subject + Verb + Object + Object Complement

Example:
They elected him president.

Here:
him = object
president = object complement

Common Verbs That Take Object Complements

make
call
name
elect
consider
declare
appoint
paint

Examples of Object Complements

The committee appointed her manager.
The news made him happy.
They named the baby Aarav.
The judge declared the man innocent.
The teacher found the answer correct.

Important Note

If the object complement is removed, the sentence loses its full meaning.

Adjective Complement

An adjective complement is a word, phrase, or clause that completes the meaning of an adjective.

Many adjectives are incomplete without complements.

Example:
She is afraid of dogs.

The phrase of dogs completes the adjective afraid.

Common Patterns of Adjective Complements

Prepositional Phrase

afraid of
interested in
good at
fond of
aware of

Examples:

He is good at maths.
She is interested in music.
They are proud of their son.

Infinitive Phrase

Some adjectives are followed by to + verb.

Examples:

She is eager to learn.
I am happy to help.
He was surprised to see me.

That-Clause

Examples:

I am sure that he will come.
She is confident that she can win.

Noun Complement

A noun complement is a clause or phrase that completes the meaning of a noun.

Example:
The idea that he will resign shocked everyone.

The clause that he will resign completes the noun idea.

Common Nouns That Take Complements

idea
belief
fact
hope
news
suggestion
decision

Examples of Noun Complements

The fact that she passed is amazing.
His belief that hard work matters is strong.
The news that the train is late upset us.
Her decision to leave was final.

Prepositional Complement

A prepositional complement is the object of a preposition.

Example:
The book is on the table.

Here, the table is the complement of the preposition on.

Key Point

A preposition must always have a complement.

Incorrect:
He sat on.

Correct:
He sat on the chair.

Infinitive Complement

An infinitive complement uses to + verb to complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun.

Examples:

She wants to learn English.
He decided to resign.
Her plan to travel failed.

Clause Complements

A clause complement is a dependent clause that completes the meaning of a verb, noun, or adjective.

Examples:

I believe that he is honest.
She said that she was tired.
We are happy that you came.

Complements vs Modifiers

Modifiers

Modifiers describe but are optional.

Example:
She sang beautifully.

Removing beautifully still leaves a complete sentence.

Complements

Complements are essential.

Example:
She became.

This sentence is incomplete without a complement.

How to Identify Complements in a Sentence

Ask these questions:

Does the word complete the meaning?
Is the sentence incomplete without it?
Does it describe or rename something?

If the answer is yes, it is likely a complement.

Common Errors Related to Complements

Error 1: Treating Complements as Objects

Incorrect:
She is a teacher him.

Correct:
She is a teacher.

Error 2: Using Adverbs Instead of Predicate Adjectives

Incorrect:
She feels badly.

Correct:
She feels bad.

Error 3: Omitting Necessary Complements

Incorrect:
The plan was.

Correct:
The plan was successful.

Complements in Spoken and Written English

Complements improve:

Sentence clarity
Formal writing accuracy
Professional communication
Academic performance
Natural spoken English

Native speakers rely heavily on complements to express opinions, emotions, and identities.

Complements in Exam Preparation

Complements are tested in:

Error correction
Sentence improvement
Fill in the blanks
Active and passive voice
Sentence transformation

Understanding complements increases accuracy and confidence.

Practical Practice Tips

Identify linking verbs daily
Practise sentence completion
Analyse newspaper sentences
Rewrite sentences by removing complements
Compare objects and complements

Summary of Key Points

Complements complete meaning
They are not optional
They differ from objects and modifiers
There are many types of complements
Correct usage improves grammar mastery

Comparison:

Complements vs Objects
Basis of Comparison	Complements	Objects
Basic Meaning	Words that complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun	Words that receive the action of the verb
Necessity	Usually essential for sentence completion	Often essential but some verbs can exist without objects
Function	Describe, rename, or complete meaning	Answer what or whom
Position	Usually follow linking verbs, objects, adjectives, or nouns	Usually follow action verbs
Type of Verb Used	Linking verbs and some action verbs	Action (transitive) verbs
Main Question Answered	What is it? What does it become? What is it like?	What? Whom?
Relationship	Explains or identifies subject or object	Receives the verb’s action
Can It Rename Something?	Yes	No
Can It Describe Something?	Yes	No
Effect if Removed	Sentence becomes incomplete or unclear	Sentence may remain complete in some cases
Part of Speech	Noun, adjective, phrase, or clause	Noun or pronoun
Example Verb	be, become, seem, make, call	read, write, eat, see
Common Types	Subject, Object, Adjective, Noun, Clause	Direct Object, Indirect Object
Exam Confusion	Often confused with objects	Easier to identify
Passive Voice Role	Usually cannot become subject	Direct object becomes subject

Sentence-Level Comparison
Sentence	Complement	Object	Explanation
She is a teacher.	teacher	—	Teacher renames the subject.
He reads a book.	—	book	Book receives the action.
The sky became dark.	dark	—	Dark describes the subject.
She bought a dress.	—	dress	Dress is the object.
They elected him president.	president	him	Him is object, president is complement.
The news made her happy.	happy	her	Happy describes the object.
He feels tired.	tired	—	Tired describes the subject.
She opened the door.	—	door	Door receives the action.
The teacher called him lazy.	lazy	him	Lazy explains the object.
I saw a bird.	—	bird	Bird is the object.

Key Differences Explained Simply

Complements
• Complete the meaning of a sentence
• Often follow linking verbs
• Describe or rename subject or object
• Cannot stand alone

Objects
• Receive the action
• Follow action verbs
• Do not describe or rename
• Can become subject in passive voice

Quick Identification Trick

Ask these questions:

If the word answers what or whom, it is usually an object
If the word answers what is it, what is it like, or what does it become, it is usually a complement

Example:

He is happy.
Question: What is he like? → Complement

He eats apples.
Question: What does he eat? → Object

Common Exam Tip

In sentences with make, call, elect, name, consider, both object and complement appear together.

Example:
   They made him captain.
        • him → object
        • captain → complement

Conclusion

Complements are one of the most powerful yet often overlooked components of English grammar. They bring clarity, completeness, and correctness to sentences. From subject complements that define identity to object complements that explain results, complements shape how meaning is delivered in English.

A strong understanding of complements enables learners to speak fluently, write accurately, and analyse grammar confidently. Whether you are a student, teacher, competitive exam aspirant, or content writer, mastering complements will significantly strengthen your command of the English language.

By practising regularly and understanding their function deeply, complements will no longer feel complex but will become a natural part of your English expression.

More Than 100 Example Sentences with Complements:

Below is a list of example sentences with complements, written in simple British English. Each sentence includes a short explanation identifying the complement, helping learners clearly understand its role.

More than 100 example sentences with complements
Sr. No.	Sentence	Complement Type	Explanation
1	She is a teacher.	Subject Complement	Teacher renames the subject she.
2	He became angry.	Subject Complement	Angry describes the subject.
3	The sky looks blue.	Subject Complement	Blue describes sky.
4	My brother is an engineer.	Subject Complement	Engineer renames brother.
5	The food tastes delicious.	Subject Complement	Delicious describes food.
6	The room feels cold.	Subject Complement	Cold describes room.
7	She seems confident.	Subject Complement	Confident describes she.
8	He was a leader.	Subject Complement	Leader renames he.
9	The movie was boring.	Subject Complement	Boring describes movie.
10	Her voice sounds sweet.	Subject Complement	Sweet describes voice.
11	They elected him president.	Object Complement	President renames object him.
12	We named the dog Bruno.	Object Complement	Bruno renames dog.
13	The news made her happy.	Object Complement	Happy describes her.
14	The judge declared him innocent.	Object Complement	Innocent describes him.
15	They appointed her manager.	Object Complement	Manager renames her.
16	The teacher found the answer correct.	Object Complement	Correct describes answer.
17	This job makes me confident.	Object Complement	Confident describes me.
18	The committee chose him captain.	Object Complement	Captain renames him.
19	Hard work made him successful.	Object Complement	Successful describes him.
20	They painted the house white.	Object Complement	White describes house.
21	She is afraid of dogs.	Adjective Complement	Of dogs completes afraid.
22	He is good at maths.	Adjective Complement	At maths completes good.
23	She is interested in music.	Adjective Complement	In music completes interested.
24	I am proud of my son.	Adjective Complement	Of my son completes proud.
25	They are ready for the exam.	Adjective Complement	For the exam completes ready.
26	She is eager to learn.	Adjective Complement	To learn completes eager.
27	I am happy to help you.	Adjective Complement	To help completes happy.
28	He was surprised to see me.	Adjective Complement	To see me completes surprised.
29	We are sure that he will win.	Adjective Complement	That clause completes sure.
30	She is confident that she can pass.	Adjective Complement	Clause completes confident.

Sr. No.	Sentence	Complement Type	Explanation
31	The idea that he lied shocked us.	Noun Complement	Clause completes idea.
32	The fact that she passed is true.	Noun Complement	Clause completes fact.
33	His belief that honesty matters is strong.	Noun Complement	Clause completes belief.
34	The news that the train is late upset us.	Noun Complement	Clause completes news.
35	Her decision to leave was final.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes decision.
36	There is a chance that it may rain.	Noun Complement	Clause completes chance.
37	The hope to succeed kept him going.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes hope.
38	The suggestion that we wait was accepted.	Noun Complement	Clause completes suggestion.
39	The promise to help was sincere.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes promise.
40	The belief in hard work shaped him.	Noun Complement	Phrase completes belief.
41	She wants to become a doctor.	Infinitive Complement	To become completes wants.
42	He decided to quit the job.	Infinitive Complement	To quit completes decided.
43	We plan to travel tomorrow.	Infinitive Complement	To travel completes plan.
44	She hopes to win the prize.	Infinitive Complement	To win completes hopes.
45	They refused to accept defeat.	Infinitive Complement	To accept completes refused.
46	He promised to return early.	Infinitive Complement	To return completes promised.
47	I expect to hear from him.	Infinitive Complement	To hear completes expect.
48	She tried to explain the issue.	Infinitive Complement	To explain completes tried.
49	They agreed to support us.	Infinitive Complement	To support completes agreed.
50	He failed to understand the rule.	Infinitive Complement	To understand completes failed.
51	I believe that he is honest.	Clause Complement	Clause completes believe.
52	She said that she was tired.	Clause Complement	Clause completes said.
53	We know that the exam is hard.	Clause Complement	Clause completes know.
54	He admitted that he was wrong.	Clause Complement	Clause completes admitted.
55	She felt that something was wrong.	Clause Complement	Clause completes felt.
56	They realised that time was short.	Clause Complement	Clause completes realised.
57	I heard that she got the job.	Clause Complement	Clause completes heard.
58	He denied that he broke the rule.	Clause Complement	Clause completes denied.
59	She explained that she was late.	Clause Complement	Clause completes explained.
60	We noticed that he was nervous.	Clause Complement	Clause completes noticed.

Sr. No.	Sentence	Complement Type	Explanation
61	The keys are on the table.	Prepositional Complement	The table completes on.
62	He sat on the chair.	Prepositional Complement	The chair completes on.
63	The cat is under the bed.	Prepositional Complement	The bed completes under.
64	She walked into the room.	Prepositional Complement	The room completes into.
65	The book is beside the lamp.	Prepositional Complement	The lamp completes beside.
66	He stood near the door.	Prepositional Complement	The door completes near.
67	The ball rolled across the road.	Prepositional Complement	The road completes across.
68	She hid behind the curtain.	Prepositional Complement	The curtain completes behind.
69	The child ran towards his mother.	Prepositional Complement	His mother completes towards.
70	The shop is opposite the school.	Prepositional Complement	The school completes opposite.
71	She grew tired after work.	Subject Complement	Tired describes she.
72	He remained silent.	Subject Complement	Silent describes he.
73	The plan proved successful.	Subject Complement	Successful describes plan.
74	The milk turned sour.	Subject Complement	Sour describes milk.
75	He became a writer.	Subject Complement	Writer renames he.
76	The baby fell asleep.	Subject Complement	Asleep describes baby.
77	The leaves turned yellow.	Subject Complement	Yellow describes leaves.
78	She stayed calm.	Subject Complement	Calm describes she.
79	The test seemed easy.	Subject Complement	Easy describes test.
80	He looked upset.	Subject Complement	Upset describes he.
81	The coach considered him talented.	Object Complement	Talented describes him.
82	We found the task difficult.	Object Complement	Difficult describes task.
83	They called the boy lazy.	Object Complement	Lazy describes boy.
84	The company made him director.	Object Complement	Director renames him.
85	She left the door open.	Object Complement	Open describes door.
86	The story made me emotional.	Object Complement	Emotional describes me.
87	The exam proved him capable.	Object Complement	Capable describes him.
88	They declared the building unsafe.	Object Complement	Unsafe describes building.
89	The crowd chose him leader.	Object Complement	Leader renames him.
90	Hard work made the dream possible.	Object Complement	Possible describes dream.

Sr. No.	Sentence	Complement Type	Explanation
91	She is fond of children.	Adjective Complement	Of children completes fond.
92	He is aware of the risk.	Adjective Complement	Of the risk completes aware.
93	They are responsible for the work.	Adjective Complement	For the work completes responsible.
94	I am curious about the result.	Adjective Complement	About the result completes curious.
95	She is capable of success.	Adjective Complement	Of success completes capable.
96	He is anxious to succeed.	Adjective Complement	To succeed completes anxious.
97	We were shocked to hear the news.	Adjective Complement	Infinitive completes shocked.
98	She was relieved that it was over.	Adjective Complement	Clause completes relieved.
99	I am glad that you came.	Adjective Complement	Clause completes glad.
100	They are hopeful that things improve.	Adjective Complement	Clause completes hopeful.
101	The plan to expand failed.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes plan.
102	The chance of success remains.	Noun Complement	Phrase completes chance.
103	His desire to learn motivates him.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes desire.
104	The rumour that he resigned spread fast.	Noun Complement	Clause completes rumour.
105	Her wish to travel is strong.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes wish.
106	The need for rest is clear.	Noun Complement	Phrase completes need.
107	The proposal to merge failed.	Noun Complement	Infinitive completes proposal.
108	The belief in equality matters.	Noun Complement	Phrase completes belief.
109	The thought that she lied hurt him.	Noun Complement	Clause completes thought.
110	His plan for success worked.	Noun Complement	Phrase completes plan.
111	She hopes that he will return.	Clause Complement	Clause completes hopes.
112	I fear that it is too late.	Clause Complement	Clause completes fear.
113	They assume that we agree.	Clause Complement	Clause completes assume.
114	She believes that effort matters.	Clause Complement	Clause completes believes.
115	He promised that he would help.	Clause Complement	Clause completes promised.
116	We suspect that something is wrong.	Clause Complement	Clause completes suspect.
117	She doubts that he is honest.	Clause Complement	Clause completes doubts.
118	I realised that time was short.	Clause Complement	Clause completes realised.
119	They confirmed that the match is cancelled.	Clause Complement	Clause completes confirmed.
120	He forgot that today was a holiday.	Clause Complement	Clause completes forgot.

Objects in English Grammar

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Complements in English Grammar. What Is a Complement in English Grammar? More Than 100 Example Sentences with Complements