Subject Complements
Learn about subject complements and how they complete the meaning of linking verbs in sentences
What Are Subject Complements?
Subject complements are words or phrases that follow linking verbs and complete the meaning of the subject. They provide more information about the subject, either by renaming it or describing it. Subject complements are essential for creating complete, meaningful sentences and are closely related to sentence structure and parts of speech.
Types of Subject Complements
1. Predicate Nominatives
Definition
Nouns or pronouns that rename the subject
Examples
teacher, doctor, winner
Function
Identifies what the subject is
Sentence
Sarah is a teacher.
2. Predicate Adjectives
Definition
Adjectives that describe the subject
Examples
happy, tall, intelligent
Function
Describes qualities of the subject
Sentence
The weather is sunny.
3. Noun Phrases
Definition
Groups of words that function as nouns
Examples
the best student, my favorite book
Function
Provides more specific information
Sentence
Tom became the team captain.
4. Adjective Phrases
Definition
Groups of words that function as adjectives
Examples
very happy, extremely tired
Function
Provides detailed descriptions
Sentence
She seems very excited.
Common Linking Verbs
Forms of "Be"
Other Linking Verbs
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Subject Complements
Find the subject complement in each sentence:
1. "The cake tastes delicious."
Show Answer
Answer: delicious (predicate adjective)
2. "My brother is a doctor."
Show Answer
Answer: doctor (predicate nominative)
3. "The flowers smell sweet."
Show Answer
Answer: sweet (predicate adjective)
Interactive Quiz 2: Complete the Sentences
Add appropriate subject complements to these sentences:
1. "The weather feels _____" (add an adjective)
Show Answer
Answer: warm, cold, humid, etc.
2. "She became _____" (add a noun)
Show Answer
Answer: a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, etc.
3. "The movie seems _____" (add an adjective)
Show Answer
Answer: interesting, boring, exciting, etc.
Interactive Quiz 3: Linking Verbs vs Action Verbs
Identify if the verb is linking or action:
1. "The cat sleeps on the couch."
Show Answer
Answer: Action verb (shows what the cat does)
2. "The cat is sleepy."
Show Answer
Answer: Linking verb (connects subject to complement)
3. "The flowers grow in the garden."
Show Answer
Answer: Action verb (shows what the flowers do)
Interactive Quiz 4: Sentence Building
Create sentences with subject complements:
Use: subject + linking verb + predicate nominative
Show Example
Example: My sister is a nurse.
Use: subject + linking verb + predicate adjective
Show Example
Example: The soup tastes salty.
Use: subject + linking verb + adjective phrase
Show Example
Example: The child seems very happy.
Notes:
- • Subject complements always follow linking verbs, not action verbs
- • Predicate nominatives can be replaced with pronouns (he, she, it, they)
- • Predicate adjectives describe the subject's qualities or characteristics
- • Subject complements are essential for complete sentence meaning
- • Some verbs can be both linking and action depending on context
Important Rules for Subject Complements
Linking Verb Required
Subject complements only appear after linking verbs, not action verbs.
Subject-Object Relationship
Subject complements refer back to and complete the subject of the sentence.
No Direct Objects
Linking verbs with subject complements cannot have direct objects.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Subject complements make sentences more descriptive and informative by adding details about the subject!