Instructions:
Read, study, and learn this lesson. Then do the exercise. When you are
satisfied that you understand the lesson, take the test.
1. A
subject complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that follows a
linking verb and identifies, describes, or explains the subject.
Example:
Mike is a [baseball] \player\
Jerry seems \nervous\.
2. In the first sentence, player identifies the subject, Mike. In the second sentence, nervous describes the subject, Jerry.
3. There are two kinds of subject complements, which are made up of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives.
4. If the subject complement is a noun or a pronoun it is called a predicate nominative.
5. If it is an adjective, it is called a predicate adjective.
6. Predicate nominative (nouns and pronouns) explain the subject or give another name for the subject.
7. A predicate nominative and a predicate adjectives are linked to the subject by linking verbs.
8. The common linking verbs are become, feel, smell, taste, look, grow, seem, appear, remain, sound, stay and be with all of its forms: am, is, are, was, were. Also, verb phrases ending in be or been such as can be and has been can act as linking verbs.
Example: The frog becomes a \prince\. (predicate nominative)
Exercise, Lesson 31
Instructions: Write the following sentences on a separate sheet of paper, and mark the parts of speech.
1. The song sounds beautiful.
2. My young puppy is growing bigger every day.
3. Sarah’s report on Internet fraud is quite detailed.
4. We felt tired after our long walk.
5. There is neither ice nor snow on the road.
6. These large revolving doors are operated by a large motor.
7. Your solution to this problem is very clever.
8. How happy you seem tonight!
9. What a fine cook your mother is.
10. What a nice party this turned out to be!
Test, Lesson 31
Instructions: Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is a subject complement and what does it do in a sentence?
2. In the following sentence, what identifies the subject? Betty is a high school teacher.
3. What makes up the two kinds of subject complements?
4. Which complements make up a predicate nominative?
5. What type of complement makes a predicate adjective?
6. What does a predicate nominative do in a sentence?
7. What links both a predicate nominative and a predicate adjective to the subject?
8. The following verbs have what form? am, is, are, was, were
Instructions: Write the following sentences on a separate sheet of paper and mark the subjects, verbs and complements:
1. The song sounds beautiful.
2. My young puppy is growing bigger every day.
3. Sarah’s report on Internet fraud is quite detailed.
4. We felt tired after our long walk.
5. There is neither ice nor snow on the road.
6. One big motor operates those two large, revolving doors.
7. Your solution to this problem is very clever.
8. How happy you seem tonight!
9. What a fine cook your mother is.
10. What a nice party this turned out to be!