The usage of verbs as a complement in English
![3INTRODUCTION
The Decree considers “the creation of the necessary conditions for
popularizing the study of foreign languages among the population and mastering
them perfectly, the coordination of the implementation of internationally
recognized programs and textbooks on teaching foreign languages at all stages of
education, as well as the development of modern teaching skills among teachers”
[1,3].
“It is necessary to raise the quality of general secondary education to a new
stage. At the same time, based on what skills the student will receive in each class,
it is necessary to revise the state education standards and curricula. It is necessary
to create and publish textbooks on the basis of the most modern techniques, to
strengthen in schools such areas as technology, the foundations of engineering,
mathematics, art, foreign languages, re-equip subject laboratories. Attention should
also be paid to ensuring the continuity of the system of preschool and higher
education” said the head of the state Shavkat Mirziyoyev [1, 116].
A language could not function without grammar since it would be impossible
for people to communicate. For any transaction to be understood, both the speakers
and the listeners must be part of the same system. Basic tenets of a language
include things like the presence of verb tenses, the correct arrangement of articles
and adjectives, the formulation of inquiries, and more.A subfield of linguistics
known as stylistics examines a language's system of styles and defines standards
and conventions for the use of literary language in a variety of contexts, written
speech genres, and communication scenarios.
In grammar, complements are words, phrases, or clauses that are essential to
complete the meaning of a given expression. Here, we will study them thoroughly.
Complement is the one which adds something to the subject and object in the
form of a Noun, Pronoun, or Adjective. It is one of the most important topics for
competitive exams and makes the students understand the basics of English
grammar.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_3.png?v=1)
![6CHAPTER I. UNDERSTANDING VERBS AS COMPLEMENTS AND
TYPES OF VERBS AS COMPLEMENTS
1.1. Understanding verbs as complements
Having a masterful command of the English language involves an intricate
understanding of its many distinct parts, one of which is the utilisation of verbs as
complements. This is much more than a mere detour in the field of academic
linguistics – it is a fundamental aspect in every corner of communication we
partake in, utilised both in spoken and written English.
Delving deep into the various workings of verbs as complements, this
discussion attempts to unfold their elementary definition, their application in
complex sentences, the mistakes often made while using them, and their different
usage in formal and informal settings. With relevant examples embedded in each
section, the aim is to guide readers to understand these vital elements of language
structure and their nuanced application across various contexts.[3; 63]
A verb as complement refers to the employment of a second verb which aids
in completing the meaning begun by the first verb. They are essentially used to
provide additional information about the subject of the sentence that the first verb
initiated. Verbs as complements can take various forms depending on whether the
action is transitive (requiring a direct object) or intransitive (no direct object). The
verb complement can appear in the sentence immediately after the main verb and it
can be a to-infinitive verb, base form verb, or an ing-form verb.
The predicate is the verbal component of a sentence or clause which expresses
a state, an action, or an event.
The predicate may consist simply of a verb as in Tom disappeared or of a
verb followed by one or more complements, that is words or phrases added to a
verb to complete the predicate, without which sentences would be incomplete as
in All the men wore [dark suits], or have a different meaning as in They found the
test [difficult].[13; 67]
Intransitive verbs denote actions and events which involve only one person or
thing – the performer of the action.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_6.png?v=1)
![71. Pure intransitive verbs: appear, fade, rise, rain.
e.g. It is raining. The sun rose.
Many intransitives express behaviour which is involuntary: blush, faint, smile,
scream.
e.g. He screamed, she fainted.
!!! Verbs of position such as be, belong, hang, lie, live, remain, sit, stand,
stay and verbs of movement such as come, creep, flow, go, run, stroll, travel,
walk require a complement (an obligatory adverbial) denoting place, direction or
time.
e.g. I used to live here.
He strolled towards the bar.[13; 32]
Ergative verbs. These verbs can be used transitively, followed by the object,
or intransitively, without the original performer being mentioned. The object of the
transitive verb, which is the subject of the intransitive verb, usually refers to a
thing, not a person.
e.g. I opened the door.
Suddenly the door opened.
There are a number of ergative verbs which relate to food and cooking: bake,
boil, cook, fry.
e.g. The porridge is boiling.
A small number of ergative verbs have an obligatory adverbial of manner.
These verb are: clean, freeze, polish, sell, wash.
e.g. Wool washes well.
Monotransitive verbs describe events which in addition to the subject involve
someone or something else. These verbs take one object (a direct object or a
prepositional object).
e.g. Children seek independence.
How can you account for his mistake?[13; 156]](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_7.png?v=1)
![8There are a small number of verbs which are usually intransitive, but can be
transitive when used with one particular object, a cognate object. The object is
directly related to the verb.
e.g. to dance a dance, to die a death, to dream a dream, to laugh a laugh, to
live a life
He smiled a patient smile.
A transitive verb may be followed by a complement, which, unlike objects,
cannot become the Subject in a passive structure. The complement can be an
infinitive or gerundial phrase, an infinitive, gerundial or participial complex, or a
clause.
e.g. He doesn’t enjoy dancing.
He wants to stay.
He asked what I meant.
The verbs which take complex objects are called complex transitive verbs.
e.g. She saw them enter the shop.
I can smell something burning.
We found the house deserted.
Delexical verbs. These are verbs which are used with nouns to indicate that
someone performs an action, often a brief one. The noun is often used in the
singular and is usually preceded by the indefinite article. These verbs have little
meaning when they are used in this way. The most common delexical verbs
are: give, have, make, take.
Delexical structures are very common in English. Although the total number
of delexical verbs is small, they include some of the commonest words in the
language. Delexical structures contribute to the impression of fluency in English
given by a foreign user.
In most cases only one delexical verb is used with a particular noun.[6; 32]
Different verbs can be followed by different kinds of word and structure.
Some verbs can be followed by infinitives with or without to; some verbs can be
followed by –ing forms; some by past participles; and some by clauses.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_8.png?v=1)
![11are the subject and the object of the sentence. This third participant is someone
who benefits from the action or receives something as a result.
Order of objects. The indirect object is put immediately after the verb phrase,
in front of the direct object.
e.g. He had lent Tim the money. (indirect object + direct object)
If the direct object comes first after the transitive verb, it is followed by a
prepositional phrase.
e.g. Ralph passed a message to Jack. (direct object + indirect object)
!!! It is normal to use this prepositional structure when the direct object is a
pronoun.
e.g. God has sent you to your friend. (direct object + indirect object)[6; 54]
Copular verbs take one complement and serve as a link to what the referent of
the subject is or becomes. The complement of a copular verb is often called the
subject complement and can be expressed by a noun, or a prepositional phrase. The
most common copular (link) verb is be.
Copular verbs can be sensory (look, feel, smell, sound,
taste); situational (remain, keep, seem, appear) or refer to a process
of becoming or changing (become, get, grow, turn, prove, come, turn out, end up).
e.g. The reason is simple.
He kept quiet about his win at the lottery.
Verbs referring to a process of becoming or change of state usually occur in
certain fixed idiomatic expressions.
Get angry/ excited/ wet.
Become ambitious.
e.g. The handle has come loose.
The buttons on my coat came undone.
Fall asleep / sick / ill.
Go sour / bad / mad / bankrupt / red (покраснеть)
e.g. The milk went sour.
The company has gone bankrupt.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_11.png?v=1)
![12Grow fat (набирать вес) / faint (затихать) / louder (становиться громче)
e.g. The well has run dry.
Our supply of coal is running short.
Since their parents divorced those children have been running wild.
e.g. The milk will turn sour if you don’t put it in the fridge.
The King’s minister turned traitor and poisoned him.
Some intransitive verbs can be used with complements in the same way as
link verbs.
e.g George stood motionless for at least a minute.
He died young.
I used to lie awake all night.[9; 54]
1. It was snowing.
The verb “to snow” is a pure intransitive verb.
2. I often stayed in this hotel.
The verb “to stay” is a pure intransitive verb used with an obligatory
adverbial of place.
3. The fish is frying.
The verb “to fry” is an intransitive ergative verb, the subject of it refers to a
thing.
4. He needs care.
The verb “to need” is a monotransitive verb.
5. They lived a long life.
The verb “to live” is used here as a monotransitive verb with a cognate object.
6. I saw her crossing the street.
The verb “to see” is a complex transitive verb as it is followed by a complex
object.
7. He gave a speech at the conference.
The verb “to give” is a delexical verb.
8. He told me his secrets.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_12.png?v=1)
![15CHAPTER II THE USAGE OF VERBS AS A COMPLEMENT IN
ENGLISH
2.1. Verbs as complements in complex sentences
Complex sentences characteristically comprise a main clause along with
one or more dependent or subordinate clauses. These clauses frequently
incorporate verbs functioning as complements, helping to culminate or extend the
sentence’s meaning. When verbs take up the mantle of complements, they typically
manifest in base form or occasionally in infinitive form (to + verb), or participle
form (-ing, -ed endings). The verbs chosen as complements vividly depict the
actions or states of the subject, exerting a direct influence on the sentence’s overall
structure and semantics.
Object Complements
An object complement always follows the direct object and either renames or
describes the direct object. Consider this sentence:
She named the baby Bruce.
"The verb is named. To find the subject, ask, 'Who or what named?' The
answer is she, so she is the subject. Now ask, 'Whom or what did she name?' She
named the baby, so baby is the direct object. Any word following the direct object
that renames or describes the direct object is an object complement. She named the
baby Bruce, so Bruce is the object complement."[8; 190]
"The object complement characterizes the object in the same way as the
subject complement characterizes the subject: it identifies, describes, or locates the
object (as in We chose Bill as group leader, We consider him a fool, She laid the
baby in the crib), expressing either its current state or resulting state (as in They
found him in the kitchen vs. She made him angry). It is not possible to delete the
object complement without either radically changing the meaning of the sentence
(e.g. She called him an idiot - She called him) or making the sentence
ungrammatical (e.g. He locked his keys in his office - *He locked his keys). Note
that be or some other copula verb can often be inserted between the direct](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_15.png?v=1)
![16object and the object complement (e.g. I consider him to be a fool, We chose Bill
to be group leader, They found him to be in the kitchen)."
An object complement follows and modifies the direct object of a sentence.
Usually, it’s an adverb or adjective. This type of verb complement serves to
provide additional information about the direct object or subject. For example, in
the sentence “She found the film interesting,” the verb “found” takes “the film” as
its object, and “interesting” as its object complement, shedding more light on the
object.[9; 75]
Object Complements Examples
Jimmy's teacher called him a troublemaker.
The teacher's remark made me angry.
"The widow she cried over me, and called me a poor lost lamb, and she called
me a lot of other names, too."– Mark Twain, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
Subject Complements
Subject complements follow linking verbs and provide additional information
about the subject. These complements describe or rename the subject. For example,
in “She is a teacher,” “a teacher” is a subject complement, completing the meaning
about the subject “she.” Linking verbs commonly used in these constructions
include ‘be,’ ‘appear,’ ‘become,’ ‘feel,’ ‘look,’ ‘seem,’ ‘smell,’ and ‘taste.’
These are examples of subject complements. In this and the subsequent
sections, the complement or complements are listed in italics.
My uniform is torn and dirty.
My uniform is a T-shirt and jeans.
"Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality. – Jules de Gaultier
"Love is an exploding cigar we willingly smoke."– Lynda Barry
" Subject complements rename or describe the subjects of sentences. In other
words, they complement the subjects.
"Many of these complements are nouns, pronouns , or other nominals that
rename or provide additional information about the subject of the sentence. They](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_16.png?v=1)
![17always follow linking verbs . A less contemporary term for a noun, pronoun, or
other nominal used as a subject complement is predicate nominative .
He is the boss.
Nancy is the winner.
This is she.
My friends are they.
"In the first example, the subject complement boss explains the subject he. It
tells what he is. In the second example, the subject complement winner explains
the subject Nancy. It tells what Nancy is. In the third example, the subject
complement she renames the subject this. It tells who this is. In the final example,
the subject complement they identifies the subject friends. It tells who the friends
are.
"Other subject complements are adjectives that modify the subjects of
sentences. They also follow linking verbs. A less contemporary term for an
adjective used as a subject complement is predicate adjective .
My coworkers are
friendly. This story is
exciting.
"In the first example, the subject complement friendly modifies the
subject coworkers. In the second example, the subject
complement exciting modifies the subject story."[8; 135]
Verb Phrase Complements
These function as the last essential component in the verb phrase, contributing
to forming complex sentences. They can be noun phrases, adjective phrases,
prepositional phrases, clauses, or adverbs, depending on the sentence structure. For
example, in the sentence “She likes to swim,” ‘to swim’ is a verb phrase
complement.[9; 86]
Verbs functioning as complements are integral in enriching the meaning and
detail of a sentence. Developing a thorough understanding of their role within
complex sentences is a fundamental step in achieving strong grammatical](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_17.png?v=1)
![19through a diverse assortment of sentence constructions – but also supports a
comprehensive apprehension of sentence structure relationships. As such, this
paves the way for advancements in sentence interpretation and formation skills.
Common Mistakes in Using Verbs as Complements
Delving Deeper into Verbs as Complements
Also referred to as verb complements, verbs acting as complements fulfil the
role of completing, clarifying, or additional detail providing in accordance to the
main verb within a sentence. Take for instance the sentence “I enjoy playing
football”, in this case, “playing football” serves as a verb complement that finishes
the meaning of the verb “enjoy”. There are a myriad of forms that verb
complements can take, including instances of to-infinitives, -ing forms, or even
clauses.
Common Errors with Verb Complements
Often, the mistakes occur when a verb that requires a specific type of
complement is used with an incorrect one. For instance, in the sentence “I enjoy to
play football”, the verb “enjoy” should be followed by the -ing form of the
complement verb, not the to-infinitive. The correct sentence is “I enjoy playing
football”.
Moreover, some verbs can be followed by both the to-infinitive and -ing form,
but the meaning of the sentence changes depending on which is used. A typical
example is the verb “stop”. “He stopped to smoke” means that he stopped
whatever he was doing in order to smoke. But “He stopped smoking” indicates that
he quit the habit of smoking.[11; 97]
Correcting and Avoiding Errors with Verb Complements
Correcting these errors involves identifying the mistake and applying the
correct form of the verb complement. Constant practice, reading, writing, and
communication in English will help inculcate the correct usage.
To avoid such errors, understanding the verb-complement pattern is crucial.
Certain verbs are commonly followed by a to-infinitive, such as “agree”, “decide”,
“hope”, and “plan”. Other verbs typically precede -ing forms, like “enjoy”, “miss”,](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_19.png?v=1)
![20“suggest”, and “practice”. Yet, some verbs can be followed by both with different
implications, like “remember”, “try”, “stop”, and “regret”.
2.2. The significance of accurate verb complement usage
In both written and spoken English, the proper application of verb
complements is crucial as it influences the clarity and fluidity of communication.
Mispractices, can lead to misunderstanding, bewilderment, or even a total bending
of the intended interpretation. Thus, obtaining a higher level of understanding
regarding verbs as complements aids in enhancing the precision and transparency
of the English language usage.
Furthermore, the recognition of patterns concerning verb-complement and
their repercussions plays a pivotal role in mastering English grammar. Constant
practice and engagement with top-notch English language materials can assist
students, as well as proficient speakers, in reinforcing this knowledge and
amplifying their overall command of the language.[5; 178]
Functions of verbs as complements within a sentence are indispensable
because they complete the sense of the subject and the verb. These verbs are
constitutive elements to the syntax of a sentence and manifest in different varieties
such as infinitive verbs (bare or to-infinitive), gerunds, or verb phrases/clauses.
Formal and Informal Usage
Using verbs as complements in formal and informal contexts vary
significantly. In formal settings, it’s crucial to use appropriate grammatical
conventions. For example, one might use the infinitive form of a verb as a
complement, such as in the sentence: “She seems to understand the assignment.”
Here, ‘to understand’ is an infinitive verb acting as a complement to ‘seems’.](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_20.png?v=1)
![21Conversely, a similar sentence in an informal setting might read: “She seems
like she gets the assignment.” This sentence uses the more conversational verb
phrase she gets as a complement, which is considered less formal in nature.[9; 64]
Examples of Formal and Informal Usage
Considering other examples can help further elucidate the distinction. Here
are a few instances demonstrating the formal usage of verbs as complements:
The executive has decided to implement new strategies.
It appears to be raining outside.
She needs to revise her study schedule.
In contrast, the following examples indicate a more informal usage of verbs as
complements:
The executive’s going ahead with those new strategies.
Looks like it’s raining outside.
She’s gotta change up her study schedule.
When to Use Either
Choosing between formal and informal usage of verbs as complements
largely depends on the context, audience, and goal of the communication. Formal
language is generally used in professional, academic, or official contexts, where
traditional grammar rules and standards apply. In contrast, informal language tends
to be casual and colloquial, often used in everyday conversation, text messaging,
and social media.[11; 95]
Grasping the full import of context is a central element in appreciating
language and establishing clear communication. A single phrase can deliver vastly
divergent meanings reliant on the application of formal or informal verbs as
complements. Thus, gaining expertise in these distinctions not only sharpens your
grammatical accuracy, but also permits you to shape your language to complement
the context and meet the anticipations of your intended audience suitably.
Exercises and Quizzes
Appreciating Verbs as Complements](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_21.png?v=1)
![22In British English grammar, it is quite common for verbs to be utilised as
complements, in other words, they round off the implication of another verb used
in a statement. These ‘complement verbs’, as they’re oftentimes known, furnish
further particulars about the deed or condition being described. Broadly, they fall
into two primary groups: Object Complements and Subject Complements.
Object Complements
An object complement can be a noun, an adjective, or another verb that
modifies or provides more information about the direct object of a verb. They
follow and modify a direct object, and provide additional information that
describes or identifies the object. For example, in the sentence, “They elected him
president”, ‘elected’ is the verb, ‘him’ is the direct object, and ‘president’ is the
object complement.
Subject Complements
A subject complement can also be a noun, adjective, or another verb
following a linking verb and modifies or renames the subject of a sentence, not the
object. The subject complement is always linked to the subject by a linking verb,
typically forms of the verb ‘to be’. For example, in the sentence “John is a teacher”,
‘John’ is the subject, ‘is’ is the linking verb, and ‘teacher’ is the subject
complement.
Complex sentences and Verbs as Complements
In complex sentences, understanding verbs as complements can be quite
challenging, due to the multiple actions or states of being that occur. Regardless,
the functions of the verbs remain unchanged as either subject complements or
object complements. For instance, in the sentence, “She believed the weather
would be sunny, but it was rainy”, the verb ‘believed’ takes a clause ‘the weather
would be sunny’ as its object complement.[7; 61]
Identifying Mistakes
Errors with verb complements can lead to sentences that are grammatically
incorrect or convey a different meaning than intended. An error can be made when
the wrong type of word is used as a complement. For example, in the sentence:](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_22.png?v=1)
![23“She made her daughter joyfully”, the adjective ‘joyfully’ is inappropriately used
as an object complement. It makes more sense and is grammatically correct to say,
“She made her daughter joyful”.
Usage in Formal or Informal English
The usage of verbs as complements remains relevant across all English
variants, including both formal or informal English. However, in informal English,
some rules regarding verb complements might be deliberately broken or
overlooked, particularly in spoken English or informal text. For example, in
informal English, one might say “He turned it red” instead of the more formal “He
turned it into red”.
Exercises and Quizzes
Regular exercises and quizzes are crucial to mastering the use of verbs as
complements. They present scenarios that require the application of verb
complement rules and distinguish between the different complement uses. These
practical exercises can help to solidify understanding and spot usage errors in
sentences. Quizzes and exercises should ideally offer explanations for each answer
to ensure full comprehension.[12; 195]
The journey we have taken through the world of verbs as complements has
equipped us with valuable knowledge. We have discovered the fundamental roles
they play in sentences, the manner in which they contribute to the structure and
meaning of complex sentences, the common mistakes made and most pertinently,
how to circumvent them. Finally, we have explored the varying usage of verbs as
complements in formal and informal settings, bringing to light their contextual
importance. The quality of your verbal and written English communication can be
tremendously improved by effectively using verbs as complements. The
subsequent exercises and quizzes will serve as effective tools in reinforcing this
learning and ensuring that it has deep roots in our understanding.[9; 48]](https://docx.uz/documents/6459d6cc-9930-402d-a6e4-48b76c5b132d/page_23.png?v=1)
The usage of verbs as a complement in English