Complements in English Grammar

In grammar, a complement is a word or word group that completes the predicate in a sentence. In contrast to modifiers, which are optional, complements are required to complete the meaning of a sentence or a part of a sentence. Below youll find discussions of two common types of complements: subject complements (which follow the verb be and other linking verbs) and object complements (which follow a direct object). But as David Crystal has observed, the domain of complementation remains an unclear area in linguistic analysis, and there are several unresolved issues (Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics, 2011). Subject complements My uniform is torn and dirty.My uniform is a T-shirt and jeans.Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.(Jules de Gaultier)Love is an exploding cigar we willingly smoke.(Lynda Barry) Object complements Jimmys teacher called him a troublemaker.The teachers remark made me angry.The widow she cried over me, and called me a poor lost lamb, and she called me a lot of other names, too.(Mark Twain,  Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1885) Subject Complements Subject complements rename or describe the subjects of sentences. In other words, they complement the subjects.Many of these complements are nouns, pronouns, or other nominals that rename or provide additional information about the subject of the sentence. They always follow linking verbs. A less contemporary term for a noun, pronoun, or other nominal used as a subject complement is predicate nominative. He is the boss.Nancy is the winner.This is she.My friends are they. In the first example, the subject complement boss explains the subject he. It tells what he is. In the second example, the subject complement winner explains the subject Nancy. It tells what Nancy is. In the third example, the subject complement she renames the subject this. It tells who this is. In the final example, the subject complement they identifies the subject friends. It tells who the friends are.Other subject complements are adjectives that modify the subjects of sentences. They also follow linking verbs. A less contemporary term for an adjective used as a subject complement is predicate adjective. My coworkers are friendly.This story is exciting. In the first example, the subject complement friendly modifies the subject coworkers. In the second example, the subject complement exciting modifies the subject story.(Michael Strumpf and Auriel Douglas, The Grammar Bible. Henry Holt, 2004) Object Complements An object complement always follows the direct object and either renames or describes the direct object. Consider this sentence: She named the baby Bruce. The verb is named. To find the subject, ask, Who or what named? The answer is she, so she is the subject. Now ask, Whom or what did she name? She named the baby, so baby is the direct object. Any word following the direct object that renames or describes the direct object is an object complement. She named the baby Bruce, so Bruce is the object complement.(Barbara Goldstein, Jack Waugh, and Karen Linsky, Grammar to Go: How It Works and How to Use It, 4th ed. Wadsworth, 2013)The object complement characterizes the object in the same way as the subject complement characterizes the subject: it identifies, describes, or locates the object (as in We chose Bill as group leader, We consider him a fool, She laid the baby in the crib), expressing either its current state or resulting state (as in They found him in the kitchen vs. She made him angry). It is not possible to delete the object complement without either radically changing the meaning of the sentence (e.g. She called him an idiot - She called him) or making the sentence ungrammatical (e.g. He locked his keys in his office - *He locked his keys). Note that be or some other copula verb can often be inserted between the direct object and the object complement (e.g. I consider him to be a fool, We chose Bill to be group leader, They found him to be in the kitchen).(Laurel J. Brinton and Donna M. Brinton, The Linguistic Structure of Modern English. John Benjamins, 2010) Multiple Meanings of Complement Complement is one of the most confusing terms in scientific grammar. Even in one grammar, that of Quirk et al. (1985), we can find it being used in two ways: a) as one of the five so-called clause elements (1985: 728), (alongside subject, verb, object and adverbial):(20) My glass is empty. (subject complement)(21) We find them very pleasant. (object complement)b) as a part of a prepositional phrase, the part that follows the preposition (1985: 657):(22) on the table In other grammars, this second meaning is extended to other phrases. . . . It therefore appears to have very broad reference, to anything that is needed to complete the meaning of some other linguistic unit. . .   These two basic meanings of complement are neatly discussed in Swan [see below].(Roger Berry, Terminology in English Language Teaching: Nature and Use. Peter Lang, 2010)  The word complement is also used in a wider sense. We often need to add something to a verb, noun, or adjective to complete its meaning. If somebody says I want, we expect to hear what he or she wants; the words the need obviously dont make sense alone; after hearing Im interested, we may need to be told what the speaker is interested in. Words and expressions which complete the meaning of a verb, noun, or adjective are also called complements.Many verbs can be followed by noun complements or -ing forms with no preposition (direct objects). But nouns and adjectives normally need prepositions to join them to noun or -ing form complements.(Michael Swan, Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press, 1995) I want a drink, and then I want to go home.Does she understand the need for secrecy?Im interested in learning to fly. EtymologyFrom the Latin, to fill out Pronunciation: KOM-pli-ment

Analysis Of The Book The Dragon Can t Dance Essay

Elinor Johnson, Brandi Cathey World Literature Amanda Bryan November 24, 2015 The Aftermath of Colonial Rule in The Dragon Can’t Dance The effects of colonialism are ingrained into every facet of society in Trinidad. The novel The Dragon Can’t Dance written by Earl Lovelace, has many aspects of a postcolonial society, from the way people act on a day to day basis to the traditions upheld during Carnival. There is enough evidence to argue that the town and all its residents are experiencing postcolonialism, or the aftermath of colonial rule. Three central time frames in the novel will support this: before Carnival, during and after Carnival, and after Aldrick’s six year term in prison. These scenes in the novel depict this theme and demonstrate the postcolonial values that still dominate Calvary Hill. Postcolonialism also affects Pariag and is demonstrated by how he is treated by his neighbors. Finally we will deconstruct the idea of the â€Å"Carnival† and figure out the relationship of this to the Postcolonial Theory and how this is a reflection of colonial rule. Postcolonial theory focuses on the aftermath of colonial rule and the way former colonizers and colonized people interact in society. In many instances of postcolonialism the original culture of the colonized is lost through cultural colonialism. Mimicry is an effect of this in which the colonized people begin to take on the customs of the colonizers. Another is hybridity when the two cultures are are mixed and a newShow MoreRelatedCountry Notebook Essay12249 Words   |  49 PagesI. Cultural Analysis I. Introduction This research paper will be an in-depth analysis of South Korea and understanding effect on market. The paper will cover descriptions of the country and the financial conditions which are relevant for conducting this research. 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An illustrated Educational Resource Catalog describing publications, videos, and other instructional media available from the Department can be obtained without charge by writing to the CDE Press Sales Office, California Department of Education, 1430 N Street, Suite 3207, Sacramento, CA 95814-5901; faxing to 916-323-0823; or calling the CDE Press Sales Office at the telephone number Read MoreSadie Hawkins Day and Valentine Grams18321 Words   |  74 Pagesperformed their own dances and displayed their skills. With over 500 people, the L-Building was too small for the show. All the seats were filled and many spectators had to stand on the side. â€Å"The L-Building was too small. The room was packed. Maybe next year we can have two talent shows or maybe choose a bigger venue to accommodate for the capacity of the audience,† explains Special Education teacher Rowena Vocal. â€Å"We might need to pick a new location next year. 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Reasons Why People Use the Internet Free Essays

What is the Internet, and how does it work? The Internet, including the World Wide Web, is perhaps the single most important invention to impact on elementary, secondary, and higher education in today’s world. If parents are to understand how their children use technologies for learning, they must understand some things about the Internet and the Web. This section of the San Diego Public Library site offers information for parents on various aspects of this invention. We will write a custom essay sample on Reasons Why People Use the Internet or any similar topic only for you Order Now What is the Internet? The Internet, in simplest terms, is the large group of millions of computers around the world that are all connected to one another. These computers are connected by phone lines, fiber optic lines, coaxial cable, satellites, and wireless connections. When you log on to the Internet you are given access to many of the other computers that are connected around the world. Internet A global network connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design. Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global Internet community. Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well. There are a variety of ways to access the Internet. Most online services, such as America Online, offer access to some Internet services. It is also possible to gain access through a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support email. Top 10 Reasons People Use the Internet 1. Information – The Internet is arguably one of the most successful and useful tools mankind has ever created. It is, in fact, the largest library ever created, and is growing daily. Although you need to always be careful of your sources, the Internet is THE modern source of information, delivered in multiple media: written word, visual graphics and images, video, and audio have changed the way that we humans look for and find information. 2. Communication – People use the Internet to communicate with one another. Software has made it possible to stream voice and video across the world with minimal delay, and email has become the main means of communicating for many a modern person. Without the Internet, it would be both more expensive and slower to maintain personal and professional relationships. 3. Entertainment – Many people use the Internet to enjoy themselves and to engage in personal interests. In recent years, multiple player games and virtual worlds have engaged the time and money of many. Plus, video and music are easy to find, stream and download†¦plus, the medium encourages feedback! Indeed, Internet use can go too far. But how can you know if you’re addicted to the Internet? We list the criteria and signs of Internet addiction in the link above. 4. Work – The Internet provides an alternative to 9-5 workdays, as more and more people can work from home, or â€Å"telecommute†. Plus, a growing number of people are making a living from the Internet itself, wither becoming experts in how people search the Internet, providing IT or web development services, or specializing in Internet marketing. 5. School – More and more elementary, high school and university curricula require use of the Internet for school work. 6. Relationships – People use the Internet to find, maintain, or end relationships. But people can get addicted to social networks, too. More on how to know if you’re a Facebook addict here. 7. Market – People use the Internet to research, find and buy services and products. Or to target and sell to the ultimate consumer. In effect, the Internet has become THE best way to buy and sell merchandise, as online â€Å"stores† are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 8. Sexuality – Although it may surprise you, it’s no secret that a real majority of search is centered around porn. So, people [men] use the Internet to view pornography and to engage their sexual instinct. 9. Self expression – People not only consume information on the Internet, they CREATE it. And in doing so, people are able to express themselves politically, artistically, vocally, socially, etc. and give voice to what is important to them. The Internet is the ultimate forum on which you can discuss or monologue as you like. 10. Ask for help – The protocol for Internet use is one of private consumption without need for naming yourself. By virtue of the privacy and anonymity factor of cyber space, Some people use the Internet to ask for help. People ask for help in the form of emotional support, medical advice, or even simply listening. If you think that you may be an Internet addict, there is help out there for you. If you want to explore the deeper emotional and psychological issues for compulsive use of the Internet, first start by asking for help from your family doctor. S/He may refer you to a mental health specialist or center for technology addictions in your area. Or, if there are no specialists that live in your area, you might even consider videoconferencing, a form of distance psycho therapy that is starting to help people, no matter where you are. Whatever the case, you may need help to uncover the real reasons behind your reliance on the Internet, and to learn how to cut back and monitor Internet use for a healthy mind. How to cite Reasons Why People Use the Internet, Essays

Murder Mystery free essay sample

PeninsulaofMichiganMadison Ison Short Story 1st hour Creative Writing Beef jerky, Doritos, Monster energy drinks, and Chex mix. Grabbing everything off of the shelves that looks appetizing. Proceeding to the checkout we see a brochure on the Paulding Light, facts and stories about the alluring mystery. All of us get even more excited than we already are. As we all pile in the car to begin our adventure, Friday by Rebecca Black comes on. We all laugh hysterically and obnoxiously sing along. Pulling out of the BP station we head left as the GPS on our phone says to do so; comically Zarda mocks the woman’s voice from the backseat. I said â€Å"Nice chick impression Zards†, â€Å"Wait he was doing an impression? † remarked Jon. The two boys begin to banter and playfully fight as usual. I can’t help but think this will be a long and interesting drive. I check the GPS to see how long until we get there; about an hour and a half. We will write a custom essay sample on Murder Mystery or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lizzie hooks her IPod up to the radio, ecstatic about the playlist she specially made for our adventure. We all sing along and pass the time. â€Å"Quick pull into the there! † yells Ashley. We all pile out of the Subaru to a trail that leads to a rickety bridge towering over a raging river. I used to come here with my mom in the summer and walk the trails! † Lizzie stated. We all make our way to the middle in pairs. None of us dare to get too close to the edge at first. Ashley gets brave right away and begins climbing on the edge to sit. â€Å"Hey crazy, get down! † gasps Zarda. I feel some of the courage emanating from Ashley, and begin stepping towards the edge. I look over the side. Just as I begin to relax I fly forward, and my heart beats rapidly as if it’s about to beat out of my chest. I suddenly fly backwards and Jon is laughing. I soon realize that he grabbed my arms and rattled me. â€Å"Jonathan Konz don’t you do that again! † I exclaimed. Every one slowly backs away from Jon in fear they will be next to experience the adrenaline rush. As Zarda runs away down the twisting dirt path he yells â€Å"Come and get me shorty! † As I turn I see Ashley take off sprinting â€Å"You better run faster than that you wuss! †. So typical. â€Å"The river water looks so cold† Lizzie states. We sit there staring deep into the dark water for a moment before Moriyah softly says â€Å"It reminds me of one those scary movies; everything we’re doing would be in one! A bunch of crazy high school teens going on a road trip to some myth in the woods. A classic horror story plot. Ya know? † Jon quickly remarks â€Å"Oh stop trying to freak us out, nothing bad is going to happen to us! † We all have a glum look covering our faces that makes him continue on a rant. â€Å"Guys this is going to be a fun trip! The chance of a horror movie happening is one in a million, so let’s get the fun going again! † His speech didn’t lighten the mood, the laughing and yelling that we heard from Ashley and Zarda fighting on the trail did. Ashley comes running fast onto the bridge and hides behind Jon. Moments later Zarda comes running up with a large stick in his hand. Jon providing a barricade between the two love birds defends Ashley in saying â€Å"Oh that’s why Ashley ran from you, you need a stick to defend yourself? Atta boy Zarda! † Zardas eyes get bigger as he sarcastically states â€Å"Jon you are just so funny. † As the mood gets serious once again Zarda becomes impatient and yells â€Å"Jon move! Ashley come out here and face the music! † At that command Ashley jumps out from behind Jon and tackles Zarda, they pursue playfully wrestling as all of us laugh. Hey guys let’s take a group picture on this thing for the trip! † I exclaim. Everyone cheers at the idea and we peel Ashley and Zarda off of each other to join the group photo. We quickly take a picture with the dark mysterious river as our background before we all pile back into the car. â€Å"I have to tie my shoe guys, I’ll be there in a second! † I cautiously say. Moriyah stays behind with me as I throw a tennis ball that I had claimed from Zarda into the river. â€Å"Why did you do that? † questioned Moriyah. I reply â€Å"I wrote a cute quote on it, so whoever finds it will have a better day! The cure for anything is salt water; sweat, tears, or the sea. Its my favorite quote, so I decided to do something along the lines of message in a bottle ya know? † â€Å"When did you think of this? † she replies. I playfully state â€Å"I was doodling on it when we were all lost in group conversation. † We both laugh and join the others in the car. I put the car into drive as we continue to pursue our journey to the Paulding Light slowly but surely. Watching the trees become thicker and the traffic become thinner we approach the road leading to the Paulding light. Robins Pond Road. We cautiously follow the gravel road all the way to the barriers at the dead end. â€Å"Well its now or never fellas! † exclaimed Jon. Most of us cautiously get out of the car making sure to have our phones in case we get lost. Jon and Zarda skip the rest of the groups actions and boldly begin to examine the trail. The rest of the group quickly follows along to stay close together. â€Å"Look at the amazing stars out tonight guys! † I exclaim. All heads turn to the sky and wallow in the beauty that is being shed among the earth. As I look to go forward on the path, Ashley and Zarda are in my view. The romance of the stars, and the creepy trail set the couples mood for the night as they were holding hands exchanging flirty looks at each other. â€Å"Okay then, how do we cross the stream? † Lizzie questions as we all make our way down the bank to edge of it. â€Å"Just use the top of the rocks as stepping stones! † Moriyah exclaims. â€Å"But make sure not to biff it, because if you do your riding in the trunk on the way home. † Zarda chimes in. We all laugh and make our way across the stream. Ashley and Zarda go first clutching hands from edge to edge making sure not to let go of each other. Next Lizzie and I go, with Moriyah and Jon closely following behind. As we make our journey up the incline to try and get closer the where the light could show up it reveals itself to us at the top of the second hill. â€Å"Well it looks like we have got a long walk ahead of us! Lets go team! † Jon exclaims. As we break into group talk once again I whisper to Moriyah â€Å"I’m really afraid that someone’s going to sneak off and try to really scare us. Moriyah shakes her head in agreement â€Å"Yeah I’ve been thinking the same exact thing. I really hope not. That will suck if they do. † We both hook arms to stay close together. We continue down the path just a little further before we realize Jon is missing. Moriyah questions â€Å"Who was the last one to see him? † No one answers her. â€Å"Guys answer me! † Everyone continues the sile nce as Jon sneaks up behind from large shrubs that line the path behind Moriyah and grabs her shoulders. Moriyah lets out a scream that could shatter glass. â€Å"Not funny Jon! Moriyah yells. Lizzie and Jon begin playfully fighting. Jon takes Lizzies hat and runs to a dirt path that winds through the woods. Lizzie rapidly runs after him yelling â€Å"Jonathan give me my hat! † The rest of us continue down the path as usual knowing they will catch up. â€Å"So Ashley how has your play been going? † I ask. â€Å"Really good, it’s a comedy slash romance and opening weekend we had a full house every night! † Moriyah and I look at each other with the same thought crossing our minds. â€Å"Me and Moriyah will come and see you tomorrow! Ashley’s face becomes covered with a smile as say states â€Å"That would be awesome guys, sit in the middle, it has the best view! † Just as she finishes her sentence Lizzie comes running up to the group huffing and puffing. â€Å" I got my hat from that panzy and ran like the wind! I guess the football conditioning isn’t going too good for him because he sure is slow! † We all laugh. Interrupting our laugh we hear Jon yelling from the woods. â€Å"Come one Jon stop fooling around† Lizzie yells. The yelling continues, becoming more desperate and intense. Lizzie where did you leave him! † I yell. Lizzie remarks â€Å"I promise the last time I saw him he was running right behind me! † We all begin to panic. We run to the trail that Lizzie had just left Jon on. Jon is nowhere to be found. â€Å"Guys don’t split up please† Ashley states. We continue to search. â€Å"Itâ⠂¬â„¢s too dark to see anything now! † Moriyah exclaims. I try and comfort the search by putting on the flashlight on my phone. As I shine the light down, I find Jon on the ground unconscious one step in front of me.