Review of Complements

This is a review of words coming after the verb. Its purpose is to sensitize you to the kinds of meaning various sentence patterns convey. Greater awareness of structure as a communication tool will increase the control you have over words as well as your ability to comprehend and apply the instruction provided in your writing courses. Consult the lesson on the left if you need help in filling in the blanks.

Complements

Sentence Pattern 2: The Subjective Complement

S + Vlk + S.C., where "Vlk" stands for "linking verb" and "S.C." stands for "subjective complement."

     Telephones are necessary.
     Telephones are necessities.
     Telephones seem necessary.

     Mrs. Smith's patience wore thin.
     The knot worked loose.
     We became/grew/got impatient.

     Your stew tastes good.
     Marcia looks mature.

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Sentence Pattern 3: The Direct Object

     S + Vt + D.O., where "Vt" stands for "transitive verb" and "D.O." stands for "direct object."

     Beavers build dams.

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Sentence Pattern 4: The Indirect Object

     S + Vt + I.O. + D.O., where "I.O." stands for "indirect object."

     Parents give their children [I.O.] names [D.O.].

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Sentence Pattern 5: The Objective Complement

     S + Vt + D.O. + O.C., where "O.C." stands for "objective complement."

     Customers consider these sleds [D.O.] inexpensive [O.C.].
     Customers consider these sleds [D.O.] a bargain [O.C.].