Complements after linking verbs
Definition
A subject complement follows a linking verb and identifies, classifies or describes the subject. It may be an adjective phrase, noun phrase or clause. It does not receive an action from the verb.
Examples
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The soup smells wonderful.
The adjective describes the subject the soup.
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Rina became a doctor.
The noun phrase identifies what Rina became.
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The question is whether we can finish.
The clause identifies the content of the question.
Subject complement vs. direct object
Rina met a doctor.
The noun phrase refers to a different participant affected by the action met.
Rina became a doctor.
The noun phrase refers to the same person as the subject Rina.
A direct object is a separate participant in an action. A subject complement identifies or describes the subject after a linking verb.
Some verbs can be linking verbs or action verbs
Verbs of perception such as look, feel, smell and taste act as linking verbs when they connect the subject to a description. They act as ordinary verbs when they describe an action.
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The soup tastes salty.
Tastes links the soup to the description salty.
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The chef tasted the soup.
Tasted describes an action and takes the soup as its object.
Common mistakes
The music sounds beautifully.
The music sounds beautiful.
After the linking verb sounds, use an adjective to describe the subject.
Rina became to a doctor.
Rina became a doctor.
A noun-phrase subject complement follows became without to.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a subject complement?
Dark describes the subject the sky after the linking verb became.Which noun phrase identifies the subject?
After is, the new manager identifies Omar and functions as a subject complement.Which sentence uses a linking verb naturally?
Feels links the subject to the adjective soft.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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