Before looking at subject complement, it’s important to understand what a linking verb is. A linking verb is a verb denotes a state. Some examples of linking verbs include to be, to become, to seem, to appear, to smell, etc. These verbs do not denote an action.
What is a Subject Complement
A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb. This word or phrase can be a noun, pronoun or an adjective. The main function of a subject complement is describing or renaming the subject. Based on these functions, subject complement can be categorized into two types: predicative nominative and predicative adjective.
Predicative Nominative
When the linking verb of a sentence is followed by a noun or a noun phrase, it is known as a predicative nominative. Predicative nominative defines, identifies and renames the subject.
Dinner is my favourite meal of the day.
(Subject = dinner, Linking Verb = is , Predicative Nominative = my favourite meal of the day.)
You are a cheater.
(Subject=you , Linking Verb = are, Predicative Nominative= cheater)
He is a dentist.
Predicative Adjective
When the linking verb of a sentence is followed by an adjective or an adjective phrase, it is known as a predicative adjective. A predicative adjective describes the subject.
She looks great.
(Subject=she, Linking Verb=looks, Predicative Adjective=great)
The biscuits taste salty.
(Subject=biscuits, Linking Verb=taste, Predicative Adjective=salty)
Only linking verbs can have subject complements. If the verb denotes an action, it can possess a subject complement. The nouns or phrases that occur after an action verb usually belong to the direct or indirect object.
The sky is pink.
Examples of Subject Complement
Predicative Nominative:
This is the worst meal I’ve ever had.
Ice cream is her favourite dessert.
He is a pirate.
Julie Adams is the main actress in the film.
Mrs. Milan is the best teacher I’ve ever met.
Predicative Adjective:
You look tired.
These cupcakes smell delicious.
He has grown tall.
I was sad to see them go.
This pink dress looks lovely on you.
Subject Complement – Summary
- A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb.
- It can be either a noun or an adjective.
- A noun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject is known as a predicative nominative.
- An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject is known as a predicative adjective.
