Difference Between Object and Complement

Objects and complements are two fundamental ideas in English grammar that sometimes confuse students. Both are grammatical concepts that explain the functions of words or phrases in a sentence. In this post, we will look at the distinctions between objects and complements, as well as present examples to assist you understand these ideas.

A sentence in English grammar normally consists of a subject, verb, and object. The subject performs the action, the verb signifies the activity, and the object is the recipient of the action. However, not all sentences necessitate the use of an object. Some people require a supplement instead. Understanding the distinction between objects and complements is critical to comprehending the meaning of a statement.

Object vs Compliment

Object

An object is a noun or pronoun that comes after the verb and gets the verb’s action. 

Objects are classified into two types: direct objects and indirect objects.

• A direct object is a noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of the verb. It answers the question “what” or “whom.”

For example, in the sentence “She ate the apple,” “apple” is the direct object.

• An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that is affected by the action of the verb but is not directly acted upon. It answers the question “to/for whom” or “to/for what.” 

For example, in the sentence “He gave me the book,” “me” is the indirect object.

Complement

A complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that comes after a connecting verb and renames, characterizes, or completes the sentence’s subject.

Complements are classified into two types: subject complements and object complements.

• A subject complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. 

For example, in the sentence “She is a doctor,” “doctor” is the subject complement.

• An object complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that follows the direct object and describes or renames it.

For example, in the sentence “She made me happy,” “happy” is the object complement.

Difference Between Object and Complement

The object and complement differ in their location in the sentence, the type of verb they follow, and the role they perform. Here is a table that highlights the differences between objects and complements:

Criteria	Object	Complement
Position	Follows the verb.	Follows a linking verb or a direct object.
Role	Receives the action of the verb.	Describes or renames the subject or the object.
Type of Verb	Follows an action verb.	Follows a linking verb.

Example:

Consider the following two sentences:

1. She made me happy.
2. She is a doctor.

In sentence 1, “me” is the direct object, while “happy” is the object complement. In sentence 2, “doctor” is the subject complement, and it follows the linking verb “is.”

Conclusion

In summary, objects and complements are two important grammatical principles that English students must master. An object is a noun or pronoun that gets the verb’s action, whereas a complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that comes after a connecting verb and renames, characterizes, or completes the sentence’s subject. Understanding the distinctions.