verb complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verb complement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in linguistic contexts to refer to a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb. Example: "In the sentence 'She considers him a friend,' 'a friend' acts as a verb complement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These shifts are due to syntactical matters, in particular the syntactic category of the verb complement.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rules governing the inferences between statements with different but related subject terms are different from the rules governing the inferences between statements with different but related verb complements.

SEP

The rule governing the first inference is a rule which applies only to subject terms whereas the rule governing the second inference governs reasoning within the predicate, and thus applies only to the transitive verb complements (i.e., direct objects).

SEP

One advantage of this style of representation is that it absolves the writer of the interpretive rules from the vexing task of distinguishing verb complements, to be incorporated into the argument structure of the verb, from adjuncts, to be used to add modifying information.

SEP

Fifth position - Contains verb complements, which are verbs that act as the object of the main verb.

WikiHow

Simple sentences second pattern subject verb inner complement outer complement 6. John gives Mary a ring 7. The sailors make John captain 8.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The n-gram approach in [21] was shown to perform poorly in three tasks: verb phrase lexicalisation, the ordering of noun modifiers and verb-complement agreement (mainly in passive voice).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The work in [21] described a number of experiments on n-gram filters applied to individual surface realisation tasks, namely, lexical choice, ordering of noun modifiers and verb-complement agreement.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The taxonomy includes unmarked subject-verb-complement word order and, among the wide range of marked structural choices, we focus on those affecting the thematic component of the clause and involving the topicalisation of complements, the topicalisation of adjuncts and the left- dislocation of a major constituent.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The sequence of subject, verb, and complement was normal, but when there were outer and inner complements the second was put in the dative case after to: Sē biscop hālgode Ēadrēd tō cyninge "The bishop consecrated Edred king".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Verb and complement together form the predicate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verb complement", ensure that the complement directly completes the meaning of the verb and is essential to the sentence's structure.

Common error

Avoid confusing adjuncts with "verb complements". Adjuncts add extra information but aren't essential to the verb's meaning, while complements are necessary to complete the verb's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verb complement" functions as a noun phrase in linguistic analysis, identifying a grammatical element that completes the meaning of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "verb complement" refers to a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in scientific, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "complement of the verb" and "object of the verb". When writing, ensure that the "verb complement" is essential to the verb's meaning and not merely an adjunct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement of the verb

Rephrases the concept by emphasizing the verb's relationship to the complement.

verbal complement

Adjective order switch but semantic meaning the same.

verb's object

Focuses on the object-like nature of the complement in relation to the verb.

object of the verb

Similar to 'verb's object' but explicitly mentions object.

predicate complement

Specifies that the complement completes the predicate.

clause complement

Highlights when the complement is a clause.

phrase complement

Highlights that the complement is a phrase.

direct object

Focuses on complements that are direct objects.

indirect object

Focuses on complements that are indirect objects.

modifier of verb

Highlights that the complement is a kind of modifier for the verb.

FAQs

How to use "verb complement" in a sentence?

Use "verb complement" to describe a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb. For example, "In the sentence 'She considers him a friend,' 'a friend' acts as a verb complement."

What's the difference between a "verb complement" and a direct object?

A direct object is a type of "verb complement" that receives the action of the verb. Not all "verb complements" are direct objects; some can be predicate nominatives or adjectives that describe the subject.

What can I say instead of "verb complement"?

You can use alternatives like "complement of the verb" or "object of the verb" depending on the context.

Is "verb complement" the same as "subject complement"?

No, a "verb complement" completes the meaning of a verb, while a subject complement renames or describes the subject of a sentence.