Skip to main content

Subjects, objects and complements

Subjects​

The subject of a verb is a noun phrase, noun or pronoun that comes before it in a statement. Often the subject indicates the agent—the person or thing that causes the action of the verb.

  • My brother gave me this.
  • Rain stopped play.
  • You woke me up.

But the subject can also, for example, indicate the receiver or experiencer of an action—it depends on the verb.

  • All the soldiers got medals.
  • I saw the accident.

Subjects cannot normally be dropped.

  • not He has changed his plans; will arrive tomorrow.
  • not Is raining.

For special structures in which it is possible to drop subjects, (see here), (see here).

Transitive and intransitive verbs​

Some verbs are usually followed by nouns, noun phrases or pronouns that act as direct objects. These typically show who or what is affected by the action of the verb. In grammars they are called ‘transitive’. Examples are invite, surprise.

  • Let’s invite Sophie and Bruce. (but not Let’s invite.)
  • You surprised me. (but not You surprised.)

Some verbs are not normally followed by direct objects. These are called ‘intransitive’. Examples are sit, sleep.

  • Do sit down. (but not Do sit that chair.)
  • I usually sleep well. (but not She slept the baby.)

Many verbs can be both transitive and intransitive. Compare:

  • England lost the match.
    England lost.
  • I can’t eat this.
    Let’s eat.

Some transitive verbs can be followed by two objects (indirect and direct). For details, see here.

  • I’ll send you the form tomorrow.
  • I’m going to buy Sarah some flowers.

Some verbs are used transitively and intransitively with different kinds of subject; the intransitive use has a meaning rather like a passive (see here) verb. Compare:

  • She opened the door.
    The door opened.
  • The wind’s moving the curtain.
    The curtain’s moving.

Some transitive verbs can be followed by an object together with an object complement (an expression that gives more information about the object). For details, see here.

  • You make me nervous.
  • Let’s paint it blue.

Complements of place​

Usually, a preposition is necessary before an expression of place.

  • She arrived at the station last night. (not She arrived the station ...)
  • Don’t walk on the grass. (not Don’t walk the grass.)

A few verbs can be used with direct objects referring to place.

  • I like climbing mountains. (not I like climbing on mountains.)

Some verbs are incomplete without an expression of place.

  • He lives in York. (but not He lives.)

Linking verbs​

Some verbs are followed not by an object, but by a subject complement—an expression which describes the subject. These are called ‘linking verbs’. For details, see here.

  • Your room is a mess.
  • That looks nice.
  • The bathroom is upstairs.
  • I felt a complete idiot.