subject complements
Level One
Lesson 6: subject complements
A subject complement matches the subject and agrees with a linking verb. A subject complement can be a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective. It’s often necessary to use a subject complement because it completes the meaning of the linking verb. (CEFR: A1)
The video explains the purpose of subject complements.
Do you know what a subject complement is?
subject + (be) + subject complement
A subject complement often comes after the verb “be.”
- She is late.
- She is a student.
- It is she. (or… It is her.)
The word “late” is an adjective.
The word “student” is a noun.
the word “she” is a pronoun.
- I am early.
- I am a teacher.
- It is I. (or… It is me.)
The word “early” is an adjective.
The word “teacher” is a noun.
The words “I / me” are pronouns.
6. subject + (be) + noun
examples
He is a student.
subject: He
verb: (be)
subject complement: student (noun)
The verb “be” (is) links the subject and the subject complement together.
6. subject + (be) + noun
He is a student.
subject: He
verb: is (linking verb)
subject complement: student
They are birds.
subject: They
verb: are (linking verb)
subject complement: birds
6. subject + (be) + adjective
She is happy.
subject: She
verb: (be)
subject complement: happy (adjective)
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun.
6. subject + (be) + adjective
Her jacket is blue.
subject: jacket
verb: is (linking verb)
subject complement: blue
These rocks are colorful.
subject: rocks
verb: are (linking verb)
subject complement: colorful
6. other linking verbs
In addition to the verb “be,” there are other words that may function as linking verbs:
appear
become
feel
look
seem
sound
These linking verbs function in a way that is similar to the verb “be.”
- This feels wet.
- This is wet.
- You seem tired.
- You are tired.
- That sounds fun.
- That is fun.
- They look sad.
- They are sad.
6. other linking verbs
She seems angry.
subject: She
verb: seems (linking verb)
subject complement: angry
These rocks feel hard.
subject: rocks
verb: feel (linking verb)
subject complement: hard
Part A – Directions: Underline the subject complement in each sentence. Indicate if it is an adjective or a noun. An adjective is a quality. A noun is a thing or a person.
This is easy. (adjective / noun)
The car is red. (adjective / noun)
My teacher is a man. (adjective / noun)
Carla feels sick today. (adjective / noun)
There’s a big hole in the ground. (adjective / noun)
Where is the supermarket? (adjective / noun)
That’s it. (adjective / noun)
These roses look beautiful. (adjective / noun)
Minnesota is a state in the United States. (adjective / noun)
Are you okay? (adjective / noun)
Part B – Directions: Provide a subject complement in the following sentences. Indicate if it is an adjective or a noun.
My classroom is _______________. (adjective / noun)
The dishes are _______________. (adjective / noun)
My teacher’s name is _______________. (adjective / noun)
The air temperature today is _______________. (adjective / noun)
Today he seems _______________. (adjective / noun)
I am _______________. (adjective / noun)
Are you _______________? (adjective / noun)
Where is _______________? (adjective / noun)
This exercise is _______________. (adjective / noun)
Something smells _______________. (adjective / noun)
Subject Complements (PDF) Here’s the PDF for the exercise above.
Are you ready for a quiz? Click here for Quiz #6 – subject complements
Learn how to form questions for information using the verb “be” in Lesson Seven.