What is an object complement?

An object complement is a grammatical term used to describe a word or phrase that follows and modifies a direct object in a sentence. It provides further information or describes the direct object in more detail.

In simpler terms, an object complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of the direct object by providing additional information about it. It helps to clarify or specify the direct object in the sentence.

Object complements can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, or adverbs. They can also be phrases or clauses that function as a complement to the direct object.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the concept of an object complement:

1. She painted the wall blue.
In this sentence, "blue" is the object complement as it describes the direct object "wall" and provides additional information about its color.

2. They elected him president.
Here, "president" is the object complement as it describes the direct object "him" and specifies the role or position he was elected to.

3. We found the book interesting.
In this example, "interesting" is the object complement as it describes the direct object "book" and expresses the speaker's opinion about it.

4. The teacher considered her answer incorrect.
In this sentence, "incorrect" is the object complement as it describes the direct object "answer" and indicates the teacher's judgment of its accuracy.

It is important to note that not all sentences have object complements. They are only present when there is a direct object that can be further described or modified.