In
grammar
In linguistics, grammar is the set of rules for how a natural language is structured, as demonstrated by its speakers or writers. Grammar rules may concern the use of clauses, phrases, and words. The term may also refer to the study of such rul ...
, an object complement is a
predicative expression
A predicative expression (or just predicative) is part of a clause predicate, and is an expression that typically follows a copula or linking verb, e.g. ''be'', ''seem'', ''appear'', or that appears as a second complement (object complement) of ...
that follows a
direct object
In linguistics, an object is any of several types of arguments. In subject-prominent, nominative-accusative languages such as English, a transitive verb typically distinguishes between its subject and any of its objects, which can include but ...
of an
attributive ditransitive or
resultative verb and that
complements the direct object of the
sentence by describing it. Object complements are
constituents of the
predicate. Noun phrases and adjective phrases most frequently function as object complements.
[Quirk, Randolph, Sidney Greenbaum, Jan Svartvik, & Geoffrey Leech. 1985. A comprehensive grammar of the English language. London: Longman.]
Examples
The object complement is bold in the following examples:
::*She painted the barn red.
– Adjective as object complement
Here, ''painted'' is an attributive ditransitive verb. The direct object is ''the barn''. The object complement construction allows for the combination of the sentences ''She painted the barn'' and ''The barn was painted red''.
::*He considers you a friend.
– Noun phrase as object complement
Here, ''considers'' is an attributive ditransitive verb. The direct object is ''you''. The object complement construction allows for the combination of the sentences ''He considers you'' and ''You are a friend''.
See also
*
Direct object
In linguistics, an object is any of several types of arguments. In subject-prominent, nominative-accusative languages such as English, a transitive verb typically distinguishes between its subject and any of its objects, which can include but ...
*
Complement (linguistics)
In grammar, a complement is a word, phrase, or clause that is necessary to complete the meaning of a given expression. Complements are often also arguments (expressions that help complete the meaning of a predicate).
Predicative, subject and ob ...
*
Object (grammar)
In linguistics, an object is any of several types of arguments. In subject-prominent, nominative-accusative languages such as English, a transitive verb typically distinguishes between its subject and any of its objects, which can include bu ...
*
Predicate (grammar)
The term predicate is used in two ways in linguistics and its subfields. The first defines a predicate as everything in a standard declarative sentence except the subject (grammar), subject, and the other defines it as only the main content verb ...
*
Predicative expression
A predicative expression (or just predicative) is part of a clause predicate, and is an expression that typically follows a copula or linking verb, e.g. ''be'', ''seem'', ''appear'', or that appears as a second complement (object complement) of ...
*
Resultative
*
Subject complement
References
{{Reflist
English grammar