Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

A subject complement follows a linking verb. See page 356 and 357. Recall that the most common linking verbs are forms of “be.” Other verbs are also linking verbs. Are these words always linking verbs?

“To be…or NOT to be?”

Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

To be a linking verb, the verb must be followed by a noun or pronoun that names the subject or an adjective that describes it.

“To be…or NOT to be?”

Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

For example, in the sentence

I was there.… “was” is not a linking verb, because it is not

followed by a noun, pronoun, or adjective.

“To be…or NOT to be?”

Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

“There” is an adverb… telling “where, in what way” the subject existed.

I was there.

“To be…or NOT to be?”

Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

Subject complements are predicate nominatives (think “names”) and predicate adjectives.

It couldn’t be much easier!

“To be…or NOT to be?”

Subject Complements vs. Predicate Complements

It couldn’t be much easier!(In this example, easier is a predicate adjective. It is

followed by a linking verb, be, and modifies the subject, “it.”)

Objects

Objects are complements that do not refer to the subject.

ExampleLee Trevino sank the putt. Notice that putt does not explain or describe the

subject, Lee Trevino, and sank is an action verb rather than a linking verb.

Objects

Objects are complements that do not refer to the subject.

ExampleLee Trevino sank the putt.

Direct Objects and Indirect Objects

There are two kinds of objects: the direct object and the indirect object. Neither is EVER in a prepositional phrase.

What is it?

The direct object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb or shows the result of the action. It answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after an action verb.

ExamplesDot asked Izzy about the game.Her poem won an award.

What is it?

In the first sentence, Izzy received the action expressed by the verb asked and tells whom Dot asked; therefore, Izzy is the direct object.

ExamplesDot asked Izzy about the game.Her poem won an award.

What is it?

In the second sentence, award names the result of the action expressed by the verb won and tells what her poem won; award is the direct object.

ExamplesDot asked Izzy about the game.Her poem won an award.

Try one…

Exercise 21:1.This article gives many interesting facts about

libraries. Ask:Gives what? Facts

Try one…

Exercise 21:10. Readers borrow millions of books from them

ever year. Ask:Borrow what? millions

Try one…

Exercise 21:10. Readers borrow millions of books from them

ever year. Ask:Borrow what?

Try one…

Exercise 21:10. Readers borrow millions of books from them

ever year. Ask:Borrow what? millions

Try these in your notebook…

Instructions: Write the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in the following sentences.

1. Paul built a doll house for Hayley.2. The club members held a party in the park.3. The audience cheered their favorite actors

during the play.4. Tiny children prefer short stories.5. Terri really dialed a wrong number last night.

Check your anwers…

Answers:1. Paul = subject / built = verb / house = direct object2. members = subject / held = verb / party = direct object3. audience = subject / cheered = verb / actors = direct

object4. children = subject / prefer = verb / stories = direct

object5. Terri = subject / dialed = verb / number = direct object

Indirect Objects

The indirect object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that precedes the direct object and usually tells “to whom” or “for whom” (or “to what” or “for what”) the action of the verb is done.

Indirect Objects

The indirect object of the verb is a noun or pronoun that precedes the direct object and usually tells “to whom” or “for whom” (or “to what” or “for what”) the action of the verb is done.

D. O. : Sheila told a story. (told what? Story)

Frank gave a donation. (gave what? Donation)I.O. : Sheila told the children a story. (told to

whom? Children)Frank gave Toni a donation. (gave to whom? Toni)

Prepositional Lookout

If the word to or for is used, the word following it is part of a prepositional phrase, NOT an indirect object.

Prepositional LookoutIf the word to or for is used, the word following it is part of

a prepositional phrase, NOT an indirect object. Example: Prepositional Phrases:She showed the bird’s nest to me. I left some dessert for you.Indirect Objects:She showed me the bird’s nest. I left you some dessert.

Compound D.O.’s and I.O.’s

Both D.O.’s and I.O.’s may be compound. Examples:Lydia sold cookies and lemonade. (sold what?

Cookies, lemonade - compound D.O.)Lydia sold Freddy and me lemonade. (sold to

whom? Freddy and me- compound I.O.)

Try these…

Instructions: In your notebook, write the subjects, verbs, and direct objects in these sentences.

1. The students of these lessons have studied subjects and verbs.

2. The hungry man ate cake, pie and rolls continually.

3. John wants a bicycle and a wagon for Christmas.4. Everyone at the party enjoyed the hamburgers,

hot dogs, potato chips and drinks.5. Grandma left her umbrella and coat at our

house.

Check your answers for understanding.

Answers:1. students = subject / have studied = verb / subjects,

verbs = direct objects2. man = subject / ate = verb / cake, pie, rolls = direct

objects3. John = subject / wants = verb / bicycle, wagon = direct

objects4. Everyone = subject / enjoyed = verb / hamburgers, hot

dogs, potato chips, drinks = direct objects5. Grandma = subject / left = verb / umbrella, coat =

direct objects

Try these…

Instructions: In your notebook, write the verb, direct object, and indirect object in the following sentences.

1. Has your boss sent you a notice about the next convention?

2. John read his tiny nephew an exciting story.3. Our father built the family a redwood picnic

table.4. The doctor sent me a bill for his services.5. We gave my mother a book for her birthday.

Check your answers for understanding.

Answers:1. sent = verb; notice = direct object; you = indirect object2. read = verb; story = direct object; nephew = indirect

object3. built = verb; table = direct object; family = indirect

object4. sent = verb; bill = direct object; me = indirect object5. gave = verb; book = direct object; mother = indirect

object