Complement vs. Predicative

Attribute	Complement	Predicative
Definition	Element that completes the meaning of the verb	Element that describes the subject
Position	Usually follows the verb	Can be before or after the verb
Function	Completes the meaning of the verb	Describes the subject
Examples	She is a doctor	She seems happy

Definition

Complement and Predicative are two important concepts in grammar that are often confused due to their similarities. Complement refers to a word or a group of words that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb in a sentence. It is essential for the sentence to make sense and convey the intended message. On the other hand, Predicative is a word or a group of words that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. It provides additional information about the subject and is crucial for understanding the sentence.

Function

Complements are used to provide more information about the subject or object of a sentence. They can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, or adverbs that complete the meaning of the verb. For example, in the sentence "She is a doctor," "doctor" is the complement that completes the meaning of the linking verb "is." On the other hand, Predicatives are used to describe the subject of the sentence and provide additional information about it. For instance, in the sentence "He seems happy," "happy" is the predicative that describes the subject "He."

Position

Complements can appear in different positions within a sentence depending on the verb they are complementing. They can come before the verb, after the verb, or between the verb and the object. For example, in the sentence "I consider him a friend," the complement "a friend" comes after the verb "consider." Predicatives, on the other hand, always come after the linking verb and directly describe the subject. In the sentence "She looks tired," the predicative "tired" follows the linking verb "looks" and describes the subject "She."

Types

Complements can be categorized into different types based on their function in a sentence. There are subject complements, object complements, and adverbial complements. Subject complements describe the subject of the sentence and can be either predicate nominatives or predicate adjectives. Object complements describe the object of the sentence and provide additional information about it. Adverbial complements, on the other hand, describe the circumstances under which the action in the sentence takes place. Predicatives, on the other hand, are usually adjectives or nouns that describe the subject of the sentence. They can be either predicative adjectives or predicative nouns, depending on their function.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between Complement and Predicative:

• Complement: "She painted the wall blue." (The complement "blue" describes the object "wall.")
• Predicative: "The cake smells delicious." (The predicative "delicious" describes the subject "cake.")

In conclusion, Complement and Predicative are both essential components of a sentence that provide additional information about the subject or object. While Complements complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or adverb, Predicatives describe the subject of the sentence and provide more information about it. Understanding the differences between these two concepts can help improve your grammar and writing skills.