Title: Using Object Complements in English Sentences
In English grammar, object complements are words or phrases that can be used to provide additional information about the object of a sentence. In this article, we will explore how to use object complements in English sentences.
What are Object Complements?
An object complement is a word or phrase that provides additional information about the object of a sentence. It can come after the direct object, or it can be a predicate noun or predicate adjective.
Example:
- She painted the wall blue. (In this sentence, "blue" is the object complement, providing further information about the object, "the wall".)
Using Predicate Nouns as Object Complements
A predicate noun is a noun that comes after a linking verb and renames the subject of a sentence. When a predicate noun is used as an object complement, it renames the direct object.
Example:
- The teacher considered her student a genius. (In this sentence, "genius" is the predicate noun used as an object complement, renaming "her student".)
Using Predicate Adjectives as Object Complements
A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject of a sentence. When a predicate adjective is used as an object complement, it describes the direct object.
Example:
- He found the soup cold. (In this sentence, "cold" is the predicate adjective used as an object complement, describing "the soup".)
Using Object Complements to Emphasize Information
Object complements can be used to provide emphasis on a piece of information in the sentence. It can be used to convey importance or to add detail to the object.
Example:
- The coach considered John the best player on the team. (In this sentence, the object complement "the best player on the team" emphasizes the importance of John's skills as a player.)
Object Complements and Gerunds
Gerunds are verbs that function as nouns in a sentence. They end in "ing" and can be used as direct objects. Object complements can also be used with gerunds.
Example:
- She enjoys painting landscapes. (In this sentence, "landscapes" is the object complement, providing further detail about the direct object, "painting".)
Conclusion
In conclusion, object complements provide additional information about the object of a sentence. They can come in the form of predicate nouns, predicate adjectives, or a phrase. Object complements can help add detail, emphasize information, or provide clarity to the sentence.