Complement vs. Predicate

Attribute	Complement	Predicate
Definition	An element that completes the meaning of a verb	An element that provides information about the subject
Position	Usually follows the verb	Usually precedes the verb
Function	Completes the meaning of the verb	Provides information about the subject
Types	Object, adverbial, prepositional phrase	Subject, object, complement

Definition

Complement and predicate are two important concepts in grammar that help to provide additional information about the subject of a sentence. A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a verb, while a predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb and provides information about the subject. Both complement and predicate play crucial roles in forming complete and coherent sentences.

Function

Complements are essential for providing additional information about the subject or object of a sentence. They can come in various forms, such as adjectives, nouns, or prepositional phrases. Complements help to clarify the relationship between the subject and the verb, adding depth and detail to the sentence. Predicates, on the other hand, are crucial for conveying the action or state of being of the subject. They include the verb and any accompanying words that provide information about the subject, such as adverbs or direct objects.

Position

Complements typically come after the verb in a sentence and are necessary to complete the meaning of the verb. For example, in the sentence "She is a doctor," the complement "a doctor" comes after the linking verb "is" and provides information about the subject "She." Predicates, on the other hand, are usually found at the end of a sentence, following the subject and any complements. In the sentence "The cat chased the mouse," the predicate "chased the mouse" comes after the subject "The cat" and completes the action of the sentence.

Types

There are different types of complements, including subject complements, object complements, and verb complements. Subject complements provide information about the subject and typically follow linking verbs like "is" or "seems." Object complements, on the other hand, provide information about the object of a sentence and can come in the form of adjectives or nouns. Verb complements, also known as verb phrases, complete the meaning of the main verb in a sentence. Predicates can be divided into simple predicates, which consist of just the verb, and complete predicates, which include the verb and any accompanying words that provide additional information about the subject.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between complements and predicates:

• Complement example: "She is a teacher." In this sentence, "a teacher" is the complement that provides information about the subject "She."
• Predicate example: "The dog barked loudly." In this sentence, "barked loudly" is the predicate that conveys the action of the subject "The dog."

Importance

Both complements and predicates are essential for constructing clear and meaningful sentences. Complements help to provide context and detail, while predicates convey the action or state of being of the subject. Without complements, sentences may lack clarity or completeness, while sentences without predicates may be incomplete or lack vital information. Understanding the roles and functions of complements and predicates is crucial for effective communication and writing.