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Subject Complements
5d. A subject complement is a word or word group that is in the predicate and that identifies or
describes the subject.
A linking verb connects a subject complement to the subject.
EXAMPLES
Ms. Echohawk is a dedicated teacher. [The subject complement teacher identifies the
subject Ms. Echohawk. The linking verb is connects Ms. Echohawk and teacher.]
The neighborhood seems peaceful late at night. [The subject complement peaceful
describes the subject neighborhood. The linking verb seems connects neighborhood
and peaceful.]
EXERCISE A Underline the subject complement in each of the following sentences.
Example 1. Running long distances at a fast pace seems difficult.
1. Many types of athletes must become fast runners.
2. Interval training is a method of improving a runner’s speed.
3. Intervals are short distances.
4. The athletes grow weary, but they must run the intervals as fast as possible.
5. A track is a good place to practice intervals.
6. Distance markers are usually visible on the track.
7. Although fairly short, the distance can seem quite lengthy to a beginner.
8. To new runners, interval training looks difficult.
9. The training sessions are intense.
10. However, most runners who use this method become faster.
EXERCISE B In each of the following sentences, underline the linking verb once. Then, underline the
subject complement twice.
Example 1. The view from that tower will be amazing.
11. Your younger sister looks sleepy today.
12. She is the captain of her soccer team.
13. Was she very busy this weekend?
14. Her team seemed invincible on the field.
15. They became the champions of the league.
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ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE Introductory Course
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GRAMMAR
for CHAPTER 5: COMPLEMENTS
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