Do you know what an objective complement is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on objective complements, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Grammar Monster, in the grammar of English, an objective complement is a word or phrase that identifies, describes or renames the objective of the sentence/object of a sentence. It can either be an adjective, a noun, or a pronoun. This is also called an object complement. In the linguistic structure of modern English, this can be a single word or noun clauses.
This can be easily confused with a subjective complement, which is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and renames the subject of the sentence and can either be an adjective, a noun, or a pronoun in English grammar. In English grammar, this can also be called a predicate adjective or a predicate nominative. These noun phrases can also be adjective phrases, and must follow the linking verb, not an action verb, transitive active verb, transitive verb, or intransitive verb. Like many grammatical conventions like active voice and passive voice, these instructions for using an objective complement are important to follow. The noun object complement restates the sentence’s object and can provide a summary or additional information.
What are examples of objective complements?
An objective complement can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of objective complement that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Take a look at the following sentences of objective complement examples from Your Dictionary, Daily Grammar, Grammar Monster, and Writing Explained and see how many you can identify the objective complement in!
We called the boy on the horse Jock.
The brothers enemies passed judgment him on social media, namely Facebook.
We consider fish spoiled once it smells like what it is.
I found the guard sleeping in the barn.
Based on my childhood experiences, my best friend had a father who was a liar.
We appointed Huddleston treasurer of John Benjamins Publishing Company.
The team elected the major players who were twins co-captains.
Shane made Neil frustrated.
Our dog Peter makes me very sad.
We went to see our instructor, a gifted singer.
Darren found his son fast asleep under his blanket.
A wool scarf will keep your neck warm in the winter.
We named our dog Badger.
We made Myra angry.
They chose the candidate who was best.
We named John the captain.
We chose James for captain.
Our present renters have kept the apartment clean.
I knocked on the door of my boss’ office, which is also the mayor’s office.
Shan named John the new manager.
They made him supervisor.
The gentle music rendered Janine quite drowsy.
Heidi Hopper took a short course, which covered lots of verbs.
We all consider her unworthy of the position.
The garlic has made the soup awful.
Have you named Mr. Jones temporary chairman?
We considered him worthy.
They elected Margaret Board President.
To obtain a man’s opinion of you, make him mad. (Physician and poet Oliver Wendell Holmes)
I entered my apartment, which was a gift from my grandmother.
I declare this centre open.
Rodney took a quick test, which was easier than he expected and covered culture in New York and Amsterdam.
What are other grammar terms?
There are many different literary and grammatical techniques and devices that you might see when you are reading prose or poetry. It is important to recognize these terms because they are always used for some purpose. Knowing these devices can help readers understand the author’s deeper meaning and why they are using such a device. Take a look at the below list of grammatical devices from OED and see how many you know! Then try researching ones that are unfamiliar to you.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
December 16, 2021
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