Lesson 196 - Parts of the Sentence - Objective Complement

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An objective complement can be a noun or an adjective which follows the direct object renaming or modifying it. It is used with verbs like make, name, call, choose, elect, and appoint. It is not set off with commas as an appositive is. 

 

Example: 

I call my dog Badger (noun).

A verb that has an objective complement in the active voice may in the passive voice have a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective. 

 

Example: 

I call my dog Badger. (objective complement)

My dog is called Badger by me. (predicate nominative)

 

Example: 

I consider my dog smart. (objective complement)

My dog is considered smart by me. (predicate adjective)

Instructions: Find the objective complements in the following sentences and tell whether they are nouns or adjectives.

1. Have you named Mr. Jones temporary chairman?

2. We called the boy on the horse Jock.

3. The team elected the twins co-captains.

4. The explorers found the old building empty.

5. Our present renters have kept the apartment clean.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Have you named Mr. Jones temporary chairman?

    - chairman - noun

2. We called the boy on the horse Jock.

    - Jock - noun

3. The team elected the twins co-captains.

    - co-captains - noun

4. The explorers found the old building empty.

    - empty - adjective

5. Our present renters have kept the apartment clean.

    - clean - adjective

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