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Glossary: Object Complement

A function label for an element in the clause which typically comes after the Direct Object and describes the person or thing it refers to. E.g. He found the staff very helpful; I consider the project a success. See also Complement and Subject Complement.

Identify the Object Complement

Find the Object Complement in a range of examples

Identify the Object Complement in each of the following examples. Click on the word (or words) that comprise the start and end of the Object Complement. (You can click again if you want to change your mind and deselect something.)

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Object Complement or Subject Complement?

Is the highlighted Complement a Subject Complement or Object Complement?

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Object Complement

Consider the highlighted phrases in the following examples. How do they contribute to the clauses?

  • She found the maths incredibly hard. [S1A-054#137]
  • I found the changeover a trying time. [W2B-012#101]

These phrases describe the thing picked out by the Direct Object. The maths is described as incredibly hard (for her). The changeover is described as a trying time (for me).

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Englicious (C) Survey of English Usage, UCL, 2012-21 | Supported by the AHRC and EPSRC. | Privacy | Cookies