Object complements play a crucial role in enriching sentence structure, enabling writers to convey more nuanced meanings. More than that, they provide descriptive details that enhance the reader’s understanding of the direct object and the action performed.
But, what is it really? Fun English Course would explain all the nitty-gritty for you!
The Definition of Object Complement
“Object complement refers to a grammatical element that provides additional information about the direct object in a sentence. Moreover, it serves to complete the meaning of the direct object, adding depth and clarity to the sentence.”
By providing further information about the direct object, object complements help readers visualize and grasp the context more effectively. Therefore, they contribute to the overall coherence and expressiveness of the sentence.
Types of Object Complement
Object complements function as modifiers that follow the direct object in a sentence. They serve to amplify or specify the direct object’s characteristics. Thus, they make the sentence more informative and engaging.
However, there are several types of object complement. Let’s take a look at these object complements examples to gain deeper understanding.
1. Adjective Object Complement
An adjective object complement describes the direct object, giving it attributes or qualities. Moreover, it often follows a linking verb.
Example: The chef found the dish delicious.
In this sentence, “delicious” is the adjective object complement that describes the direct object “the dish.”
2. Noun Object Complement
A noun object complement renames or identifies the direct object with another noun in order to add more information about it.
Example: The team elected John the captain.
Here, “the captain” is the noun phrase as object complement examples, renaming the direct object “John.”
3. Past Participle Object Complement
A past participle object complement provides additional information about the direct object, particularly in passive voice sentences.
Example: The committee deemed the plan approved.
In this passive voice sentence, “approved” functions as the past participle object complement. So, it adds more detail about the direct object “the plan.”
4. Infinitive Object Complement
An infinitive object complement is an infinitive verb that modifies the direct object and provides a sense of purpose or intention.
Example: She considered the book to be insightful.
Here, “to be insightful” acts as the infinitive object complement that describes the direct object “the book.”
Identifying Object Complements
To identify the object complement, you need to first identify the direct object in a sentence. Just a quick reminder: the direct object basically is the noun/pronoun that receives the action.
Example: The artist painted a beautiful landscape.
The direct object in this sentence is “a beautiful landscape.”
While both direct objects and object complements modify the verb, there is an essential difference between object and complement. Hence, the object complement specifically provides more detail about the direct object.
Example: She found the house tidy.
In this sentence, “the house” is the direct object, and “tidy” is the object complement. Furthermore, it provides more information about the state of the house.
More Examples of Object Complements in Sentences
Take a look at more examples below:
Example: The teacher deemed her performance outstanding.
In this sentence, “outstanding” is the object complement that describes the direct object “her performance.”
Example: The jury named him the winner.
Here, “the winner” is the noun object complement, renaming the direct object “him.”
The Role of Object Complement in Sentence Meaning
Object complements enrich the sentence by providing specific information about the direct object. In other words, it makes the sentence more descriptive and informative.
More than that, object complements allow writers to express the characteristics, conditions, or states of the direct object. Thus, it provides a more vivid picture of the subject matter.
By complementing the direct object, object complements strengthen the relationship between the verb and the object. Therefore, it creates a more coherent and cohesive sentence structure.
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