Page 47 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Study Section 9: Sentence Structure Basics

9.1 Connect

Understanding what sentences, clauses, and phrases are and how they are used is critical to
understand how to construct effective sentences and how to punctuate them. It is also important
to know in order to analyze lengthy passages in Scripture. The Apostle Paul is well known for long
sentences.

9.2 Subject and Predicates and Complements

The subject is that part about which something is said. The subject is made up of the simple subject
(single or compound noun or pronoun) plus any modifiers.
• The work of the Lord completes me.

The predicate is that part that says something about the subject. The predicate contains the verb
(the simple predicate) plus any modifiers and complements. (A complement completes the meaning begun by
the subject.)

• The work of the Lord completes me.

Complements complete the meaning begun by the subject and simple predicate (verb).
Some subject-simple predicate (subject-verb) combinations make sense all by themselves.
• The work of the Lord completes me. (me completes the meaning)

• Paul preached. My dog died. (Neither of these sentences have a complement; the sentences are
complete without a complement.)

Types of Complements
Some subject-simple predicate combinations are incomplete until a noun or adjective is supplied which
completes the meaning begun by the subject and simple predicate. The word complement is a noun form of the
verb complete. In a sentence, the complement is a completer. A complement (completer) can be a noun,
pronoun, or adjective.
Examples:
1. The student raised her hand. (raised what?)
2. The plants in the garden are beautiful. (how are the plants described?)
3. She is my teacher. (noun complement following a linking verb)
4. The teacher is young. (adjective complement following a linking verb)
Direct Objects (D.O.)

A direct object is a noun complement that receives the action of an action verb.
• Paul dropped the ball.

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