Complement Clause

What is a Complement Clause?

A complement clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence. It is essential for completing the meaning of another element, such as a verb, adjective, or noun. Without it, the sentence would be incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

Key Concepts

Complement clauses can act in several grammatical roles:

• Subject: The clause acts as the subject of the main verb. Example: What she said was surprising.
• Direct Object: The clause receives the action of the main verb. Example: I know that you are here.
• Subject Complement: The clause renames or describes the subject, often following a linking verb. Example: The problem is that we have no time.
• Object Complement: Less common, it complements the direct object. Example: She made it clear that she disagreed.

Deep Dive: Types of Complement Clauses

Complement clauses can be introduced by various words:

• That-clauses: Often function as direct objects or subject complements. Example: He believes that honesty is the best policy.
• Wh-clauses: Introduced by ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘how’. Example: I wonder where she went.
• If/Whether-clauses: Used for indirect questions. Example: Tell me if you are ready.
• Infinitive clauses: Can function as complements. Example: His goal is to succeed.
• Gerund clauses: Also function as complements. Example: Swimming daily is good exercise.

Applications

Complement clauses are fundamental in:

• Expressing thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.
• Reporting speech and indirect questions.
• Adding detail and complexity to sentences.
• Forming complex sentence structures.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common confusion is between complement clauses and relative clauses. Relative clauses modify nouns, while complement clauses function as nouns themselves. Forgetting a necessary complement can lead to ungrammatical sentences.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between a complement clause and a subordinate clause?
A: All complement clauses are subordinate clauses, but not all subordinate clauses are complement clauses. Complement clauses specifically function as nouns.

Q: Can a complement clause stand alone?
A: No, as dependent clauses, they cannot stand alone as complete sentences.