Language is a complex system with many moving parts. One such part is the use of complementizer and complement. These two words often get confused, but they serve different functions in a sentence. In this article, we will explore the differences between complementizer and complement.
A complementizer is a word that introduces a subordinate clause. It is also known as a subordinating conjunction. The most common complementizers in English are that, if, whether, and because. Complementizers are used to connect the subordinate clause to the main clause and indicate the relationship between the two clauses. For example, in the sentence “I know that you are tired,” the word “that” is a complementizer introducing the subordinate clause “you are tired.”
On the other hand, a complement is a noun, adjective, or pronoun that completes the meaning of a verb. It is also known as a direct object or object complement. Complements are used to provide more information about the subject of the sentence and are usually found after the verb. For example, in the sentence “She painted the wall blue,” the word “wall” is a complement completing the meaning of the verb “painted.”
Understanding the difference between complementizer and complement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each term and provide examples to help you better understand their usage.
Define Complementizer
A complementizer is a type of word that introduces a subordinate clause in a sentence. It is also known as a subordinating conjunction or a subordinator. Complementizers are used to connect the subordinate clause to the main clause of a sentence. They indicate the relationship between the two clauses and help to clarify the meaning of the sentence.
Examples of complementizers include words like “that,” “if,” “whether,” “because,” and “although.” For instance, in the sentence “I know that you are coming,” the word “that” is the complementizer that introduces the subordinate clause “you are coming.”
Define Complement
A complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a sentence. It provides additional information about the subject or object of a sentence. Complements can be either direct or indirect, depending on their relationship to the verb in the sentence.
A direct complement is a noun or pronoun that follows a transitive verb and receives the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence “She ate an apple,” the word “apple” is the direct complement of the verb “ate.”
An indirect complement, on the other hand, is a noun or pronoun that follows a verb and indicates the recipient of the action. For instance, in the sentence “He gave her a gift,” the word “her” is the indirect complement of the verb “gave.”
Complements can also be adjectives or adverbs that modify the subject or object of a sentence. For example, in the sentence “She is happy,” the word “happy” is the complement of the subject “she.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper use of grammar can make or break the effectiveness of a sentence. Understanding the difference between complementizer and complement is crucial in constructing clear and concise sentences. Here’s how to use them properly:
How To Use Complementizer In A Sentence
A complementizer is a word that introduces a subordinate clause. It is often used to link two clauses together, indicating the relationship between them. Here are some examples of how to use a complementizer in a sentence:
- She asked if I was coming to the party.
- He wondered whether he should take the job.
- They discussed how to approach the project.
Notice how the complementizer introduces the subordinate clause and helps to clarify the relationship between the two clauses.
How To Use Complement In A Sentence
A complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a sentence. It is often used with verbs such as “be,” “become,” and “seem.” Here are some examples of how to use a complement in a sentence:
- The soup smells delicious.
- She looks happy today.
- The flowers have bloomed beautifully.
Notice how the complement completes the meaning of the sentence and provides additional information about the subject.
By understanding the proper use of complementizers and complements, you can construct sentences that are clear, concise, and effective.
More Examples Of Complementizer & Complement Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how complementizers and complements are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Complementizer In A Sentence
- Whether you like it or not, we have to go to the dentist tomorrow.
- She wondered if she should tell him the truth.
- He asked whether she had seen his keys.
- They didn’t know whether to stay or leave.
- I’m not sure whether I can make it to the meeting.
- She asked him where he had parked the car.
- He told me when he would arrive at the airport.
- She wondered why he hadn’t called her back.
- He asked how she was feeling after the surgery.
- I’m not sure who is going to be at the party tonight.
Complementizers are used to introduce a subordinate clause in a sentence. In the examples above, the complementizers are “whether,” “if,” “where,” “when,” “why,” “how,” and “who.”
Examples Of Using Complement In A Sentence
- She considers him a good friend.
- He found the book interesting.
- They made him the captain of the team.
- I consider myself lucky to have such great friends.
- The teacher called the student lazy.
- She made the cake from scratch.
- He painted the picture with oil paints.
- They deemed the project a success.
- The doctor prescribed her antibiotics for the infection.
- I find it difficult to believe what he says.
Complements are used to complete the meaning of a verb in a sentence. In the examples above, the complements are “a good friend,” “interesting,” “the captain of the team,” “lucky to have such great friends,” “lazy,” “from scratch,” “with oil paints,” “a success,” “antibiotics for the infection,” and “it difficult to believe what he says.”
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using complementizers and complements in English, it’s easy to get confused. However, it’s important to understand the difference between these two concepts to communicate effectively. Here are some common mistakes people make when using complementizer and complement interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect and tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future:
Using A Complementizer When A Complement Is Needed
One common mistake is using a complementizer when a complement is needed. A complementizer is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, while a complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb. For example, in the sentence “I know that he is coming,” the word “that” is a complementizer, while “he is coming” is the complement. However, in the sentence “I know that,” the word “that” is not functioning as a complementizer because there is no complement to complete the meaning of the verb “know.”
To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the function of the word you are using. If you need to complete the meaning of a verb, use a complement instead of a complementizer.
Using A Complement When A Complementizer Is Needed
Conversely, another common mistake is using a complement when a complementizer is needed. This mistake occurs when a writer or speaker tries to introduce a subordinate clause without using a complementizer. For example, in the sentence “I wonder he is coming,” the word “he” is functioning as a complement instead of a complementizer, which makes the sentence incomplete and confusing.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you use a complementizer when introducing a subordinate clause. Common complementizers include “that,” “whether,” “if,” and “because.”
Confusing Complementizers With Relative Pronouns
Another mistake is confusing complementizers with relative pronouns. Relative pronouns are words like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that,” which are used to link one clause to another. However, they are not always used as complementizers. For example, in the sentence “The book that I read was very good,” the word “that” is a relative pronoun, not a complementizer.
To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the function of the word you are using. If you want to introduce a subordinate clause, use a complementizer instead of a relative pronoun.
Overusing Complementizers
Finally, another common mistake is overusing complementizers. While complementizers are necessary to introduce subordinate clauses, they should not be used excessively. Overusing complementizers can make your writing or speech sound clunky and awkward.
To avoid this mistake, try to use complementizers sparingly and only when necessary. If you can convey the same meaning with a simpler sentence structure, do so.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between a complementizer and a complement, context plays a crucial role. The context in which these two linguistic elements are used can determine which one is more appropriate to use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between complementizer and complement might change:
| Context | Choice between Complementizer and Complement |
|---|---|
| Formal Writing | In formal writing, a complementizer is often preferred over a complement. For example, “I believe that he is coming” sounds more formal than “I believe he is coming.” |
| Informal Conversation | In informal conversation, a complement is often used instead of a complementizer. For example, “I think he’s coming” is more commonly used than “I think that he is coming.” |
| Direct Quotations | When using direct quotations, it is common to use a complementizer. For example, “He said that he would be here at 6 pm.” |
| Indirect Quotations | When using indirect quotations, a complement is often used. For example, “He said he would be here at 6 pm.” |
As seen in the above examples, the choice between complementizer and complement can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the formality of the situation, the level of informality, and whether a direct or indirect quotation is being used when deciding which linguistic element to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using complementizers and complements are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In these cases, the standard guidelines may not apply, and it is important to understand when and why this occurs.
1. Infinitive Complements
One common exception to the use of complementizers is with infinitive complements. In these cases, the complementizer “to” is typically omitted. For example:
- She wants to go to the store.
- He needs to finish his homework.
In both of these examples, the infinitive complements “go” and “finish” do not require a complementizer. This is because the “to” in the infinitive form already serves as a marker of the complement.
2. That-complements
Another exception to the standard rules is with “that”-complements. In some cases, the complementizer “that” can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example:
- She said that she was tired.
- She said she was tired.
In both of these examples, the meaning of the sentence remains the same, even though the complementizer “that” is omitted in the second example. This is because the “that” in this context is often seen as optional.
3. Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences are another exception to the standard rules for using complementizers and complements. In these cases, the complementizer is typically omitted altogether. For example:
- Close the door.
- Give me the book.
In both of these examples, the complementizer is not needed because the imperative form of the verb already implies a complement.
By understanding these exceptions to the rules, you can use complementizers and complements more effectively in your writing and communication.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have covered the basics of complementizers and complements, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these grammatical concepts:
Exercise 1
Identify the complementizers in the following sentences:
- Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
- I wonder whether she’ll come to the party.
- He said that he would be here by 7 pm.
Answer Key:
- Although
- Whether
- That
Exercise 2
Identify the complements in the following sentences:
- She considers him a good friend.
- I find it difficult to concentrate in noisy environments.
- The teacher made the students repeat the lesson.
Answer Key:
- A good friend
- It difficult to concentrate in noisy environments
- The students repeat the lesson
Exercise 3
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate complementizers:
- _______ it was snowing heavily, we decided to go skiing.
- She asked me _______ I had seen the latest movie.
- I don’t know _______ she will be able to come to the party.
Answer Key:
- Although
- If
- Whether
By completing these exercises, you can strengthen your understanding of complementizers and complements. Remember to review the answer keys or explanations to ensure that you are using these grammatical concepts correctly.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between complementizers and complements, it is clear that understanding the nuances of grammar and language use is crucial for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
Complementizers
- Complementizers are words that introduce a subordinate clause and act as a bridge between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
- Common complementizers include “that,” “whether,” “if,” and “because.”
- Complementizers can be used to change the meaning of a sentence and add complexity to a sentence.
Complements
- Complements are words or phrases that complete the meaning of a verb.
- They can be direct objects, indirect objects, or object complements.
- Complements can be essential to the meaning of a sentence and cannot be removed without changing the meaning.
By understanding the differences between complementizers and complements, writers and speakers can improve their ability to convey complex ideas and communicate effectively.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to enhance communication skills. Whether it is through reading, writing, or taking courses, there are many resources available to help improve language proficiency.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.