ELPS

In a clause, a complement is a word, phrase, or clause that completes the meaning of a subject, verb, or object. The subject complement is a particular type of complement that follows a linking verb, such as: "is", "seems" or "becomes", and provides more information about the subject, either describing or identifying it.

Example of a subject complement

Clause: Martha is a teacher.

"a teacher" is a subject complement that identifies the subject "Martha".

Questions

A subject complement answers one of two questions:

What is the [subject]?,

or

What is the [subject] like?

The first question asks for the identity or definition of the subject. It is seeking to know who or what the subject is.

The second question asks for a description or characteristics of the subject. It is seeking to know the qualities or traits of the subject, often answered by adjectives or descriptive phrases.

Further examples

Here are three more examples asking about the subject complement in a clause.

Example 1

Clause: Jane is a doctor?

Question: What is Jane?

Answer: A doctor.

Example 2

Clause: The sky looks beautiful.

Question: What is the sky like?

Answer: It is beautiful.

Example 3

Clause: The movie was a huge success.

Question: What was the the movie?

Answer: A huge success.