Complements for Verbs

Follow an an action verb and tells WHO OR WHAT RECEIVES THE ACTION OF THE VERB.

Ex: Meg gave a signal.

"gave" is the action verb. "signal" is a direct object.

An indirect object follows an action verb and tells TO WHOM OR WHAT THE ACTION OF THE VERB IS DONE.

Ex: Meg gave Luis a signal.

"gave" is the action verb. "Luis" is to whom the signal was given.

A subject complement follows a linking verb and tells who or what the subject is or is like.

Ex: Chidi seemed sad.

"Seemed" is the linking verb. "Sad" tells what Chidi was like.

Ex: Todd is the captain of the team.

"Is" is the linking verb. "Captain" tells what Todd "is."

A noun used as a subject complement is a predicate noun. (or predicate nominative)

An adjective used as a subject complement is a predicate adjective.