Complements in Syntax
According to Merriam-Webster, a complement is “an added word or expression by which a
predication is made complete (such as president in ‘they elected him president’ and beautiful in
‘he thought her beautiful’).”
Complement Clauses
“A complement clause is a clause which is used as the complement of some other word (typically
as the complement of a verb, adjective or noun). Thus, in a sentence such as He never expected
that she would come, the clause that she would come serves as the complement of the verb
expected, and so is a complement clause.”
(Andrew Radford, Syntax: A Minimalist Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 1997)
Furthermore, as reported by Geoffrey Leech in A Glossary of English Grammar: “In versions of
grammar that use the concept of complement clause, it largely or entirely replaces the concept of
nominal clause (or noun clause) referring to a clause that can occur in positions where noun
phrases occur.”
Use of Complementizers
Complementizers are words that introduce complement clauses and indicate their function in the
sentence by establishing a certain type of relationship. Common complementizers include that, if,
whether, who, whom, whose, what, which, when, and where.
Examples of Complement Clauses
As Subject Complements
The important thing is that everyone feels heard.
Explanation: The complement clause “that everyone feels heard” provides the essential
information needed to complete the meaning of the subject “The important thing.” It specifies
exactly what is considered important, making the statement complete.
The question is if he can finish the project on time.
Explanation: The complement clause “if he can finish the project on time” completes the
meaning of the subject “The question.” It specifies the exact nature of the question being
considered, providing clarity and context to the sentence.
The issue is what we should do next.
Explanation: The complement clause “what we should do next” completes the meaning of the
subject “The issue.” It details the specific problem or topic under discussion, making the
statement clear and informative.
As Direct Objects
She met whom she thought was the new manager.
Explanation: The complement clause “whom she thought was the new manager” functions as
the direct object of the verb “met.” It identifies the person she met, providing necessary
information to understand the action of the sentence.
I know where they went.
Explanation: The complement clause “where they went” serves as the direct object of the verb
“know.” It specifies the information that the speaker has, completing the action described by the
verb.
He explained what the procedure would be.
Explanation: The complement clause “what the procedure would be” functions as the direct
object of the verb “explained.” It details the content of his explanation, providing the necessary
information to understand what was communicated.
As Objects of a Preposition
She was concerned about whether the event would be canceled.
Explanation: The complement clause “whether the event would be canceled” functions as the
object of the preposition “about.” It specifies the particular concern she had, giving context to her
feelings.
They talked about which route to take for the trip.
Explanation: The complement clause “which route to take for the trip” serves as the object of
the preposition “about.” It details the topic of their discussion, explaining what specifically they
were talking about.
We planned for when the new team would arrive.
Explanation: The complement clause “when the new team would arrive” functions as the object
of the preposition “for.” It specifies the particular event they were planning for, providing
necessary details to understand their preparation.
