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Understanding Subject Complements
Subject complements are words or phrases that follow a linking verb and describe or rename the subject of the sentence.
Important Points
Subject complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives.
They are used with linking verbs like 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were', 'seem', 'become', and 'appear'.
Subject complements do not describe the action of the verb, but rather the subject itself.
Types of Subject Complements
There are two main types of subject complements: predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives.
Important Points
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that renames the subject.
A predicate adjective is an adjective that describes the subject.
Examples of Predicate Nominatives
Examples
The cat is a pet.
My brother is a doctor.
The winner was she.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
Examples
The sky looks blue.
The soup tastes delicious.
She seemed happy.
Linking Verbs and Subject Complements
Linking verbs are special because they connect the subject to the subject complement. They don't show action but instead link the subject to more information.
Examples
He is a teacher.
The flowers are beautiful.
The cake seems tasty.
Why Subject Complements Matter
Subject complements help us understand more about the subject. They give us important details that make our sentences clearer and more interesting.
Important Points
They complete the meaning of the sentence.
They help describe or identify the subject.
They make sentences more informative and engaging.
Practice Identifying Subject Complements
To get better at recognizing subject complements, try finding the linking verb first. Then, see what word or words follow it that give more information about the subject.
Examples
The book is interesting.
The dog became our friend.
The weather was sunny.
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