CHAPTER V THE COMPLEMENT 99. The Function of the Complement.-All verbs of incomplete predication require the help of a word or of words to make a finished statement. It became, He made, This is, are not complete statements. If we supply stormy after the first verb; and a box after the other two, we shall have complete thoughts. It is the function, then, of the complement to bring to completion the meaning of the verb. 1. This is the President. EXAMPLES 2. The sun lights the earth. 3. The season is dry. 4. Several poor boys have become President. 5. He was chosen leader. 6. They chose him leader. 100. The Subjective Complement.-Some of the words used to complete the predication of verbs refer back to the subject or modify its meaning. They usually state some attribute of the subject; and are, therefore, often called attribute complements. The term subjective complement seems preferable, because we shall find complements that give attributes of the object, and we wish to distinguish between the two kinds. EXAMPLES 1. Victoria became queen at an early age. 2. Many soldiers are ill. EXERCISE A 101. Point out the subjective complements in the following sentences, and explain the particular function of each: 1. His health was poor. 2. An adjective may become a noun. 3. Fame is the fragrance of heroic deeds. 4. King Alfred was a noble man and a just king. 5. He was appointed secretary of the society. 6. His ideas of trade are noble and generous. 7. Laughter is the chorus of conversation. 8. It seems wrong. 9. A friend may well be reckoned a masterpiece of nature. 10. John remained quiet. II. The child appeared grateful. 12. The room grows dark. EXERCISE B 102. State an important idea about each of the following things, giving an attribute of the subject in each case: 1. A bobolink. 2. The wireless telephone. 4. The first spring buds. 8. My first playmate. 10. Animals of the north. 14. Clouds just before a storm. 103. The Object Complement.-Many verbs denote that the subject is acting upon some object; and the action expressed by the verb is not complete until it has been received by that object. The word represented as receiving the action of the verb is called the object complement. EXAMPLES 1. They erected a magnificent building. 2. Irving visited the house in which Shakespeare was born. EXERCISE A 104. Point out all the nouns that receive the action of verbs in the following sentences: 1. They dug their heels into the ground to keep from slipping. 2. I have but ten silver pennies. 3. Four hundred shillings he counted out. 4. An old tattered cloak over his hunter's garb completed his make-up. 5. One afternoon we visited a cave down the stream. 6. Each mind has its own methods. 7. Having gained the summit, they seated themselves at the foot of a tree. 8. Great trees sheltered the modest little house. 9. We soon reached a level amphitheater. 10. The Old Manse we had almost forgotten. 11. The old man wore a glazed hat and an ancient cloak. 12. Even the trees in the forest and the stream in the meadows taught him lessons about nature. 13. Burns, the poet, had a tender heart and a ready sympathy. 14. He communicated his plan of attack to his officers and formed his little troop into three divisions. 15. Shakespeare spent the last few years of his life at Stratford-on-Avon. EXERCISE B 105. By adding to the sentences below, express a thought that is worth while. Point out the object complement in each sentence. 8. The snow had covered 9. Lowell wrote 10. The boy fed the II. The storm entirely destroyed 12. We must respect the 13. He taught 14. The two friends began 15. Raphael painted 16. At the end of the lane we saw 17. The rays of the bright morning sun made 106. The Objective Complement.-Some verbs require two complements to fill out their meaning. The first complement in such cases is the object. The second usually expresses the effect, or result, of the action of the verb on the object. It gives an attribute of the object as it is after it has been acted upon by the subject. This is called the objective complement. 1. They chose him king. EXAMPLES 2. This turn of events renders us useless. EXERCISE 107. Point out the objective complements in the following sentences, and explain what each tells about the object complement: 1. We made the boxes large intentionally. 2. They deemed it wise to depart at once. 3. The king dubbed him knight. 4. The people called him the Father of his country. 5. She considered the problem too difficult. 6. They made him go. 7. We heard the wind moaning without. 8. Amazement held them dumb. 9. They saw him coming at full speed. 10. Let them choose whom they want. II. The people chose Mr. Thomas auditor. 12. They regarded him as qualified. 13. Proud of his birth and nationality Henry desired to prove himself worthy of them. 14. He proved her answer wrong. 15. They painted the house white. EXERCISE B 108. The sentences below contain subjective complements. Change the verbs into the active voice, and explain the nature of the complements you have as a result. 1. Washington was made commander-in-chief of the army by Congress. 2. The movement was not deemed wise by his advisors. 3. The shutters were painted green by Henry. 4. By many he was not considered worthy of the honor. 5. Scott was made a baronet by the King. |