This practical quiz on types of complements in English will test your understanding of complements in sentence structure — the parts that complete the meaning of a subject or object. Whether you’re a grammar geek, a language learner, or a student brushing up before exams, this quiz is your go-to tool for clarity and confidence.
In this quiz, you’ll:
- Identify different types of complements (subject, object, adverbial)
- Spot incorrect or missing complements in real-world sentences
- Choose the correct complement to complete a sentence logically
- Understand how complements affect sentence meaning
Take the quiz now — and sharpen your grammar skills like a pro!
Results
#1. Identify the subject complement in this sentence: Monu is a brilliant leader.
Explanation:
“A brilliant leader” follows the linking verb is and renames the subject Monu. It completes the idea: Monu = a brilliant leader. Since it gives the subject a new identity, it’s a predicate nominative — a type of subject complement.
#2. What makes something a subject complement?
Explanation:
A subject complement completes the meaning of the subject. It either renames it (using a noun) or describes it (using an adjective) and always follows a linking verb like is, seem, look, appear, feel, etc.
#3. Which sentence contains an object complement?
Explanation:
In “They painted the door blue,” the noun “door” is the object, and “blue” is the object complement — it shows what the object has become. The sentence means: The door = blue (after the action). That’s the essence of object complements — they rename or describe the object after the verb.
#4. What is the role of an object complement in a sentence?
Explanation:
An object complement follows a direct object and either renames it or modifies its state. It’s often a noun or adjective that completes the meaning of the object (e.g., “They elected him president” → him = president).
#5. Identify the adjective complement in this sentence-: I’m proud of your performance.
Explanation:
“Of your performance” is a prepositional phrase that completes the meaning of the adjective “proud.” Without it, “I’m proud” leaves the reader wondering — proud of what? That’s what adjective complements do: they complete the idea started by an adjective.
#6. What is an adjective complement?
Explanation:
An adjective complement is a phrase or clause (often a prepositional phrase, infinitive, or noun clause) that comes immediately after an adjective and makes its meaning clear. E.g., “She’s happy to help.”
#7. Which of the following sentences contains a verb complement?
Explanation:
The verb “need” requires an object to complete its meaning. “I need” sounds incomplete. “Help” is the verb complement — it’s a noun acting as the object that gives the verb full meaning.
#8. What is a verb complement?
Explanation:
A verb complement is the word or phrase (usually a noun, gerund, infinitive, or noun clause) that completes the verb’s meaning. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished. E.g., “We enjoyed watching the film.”
#9. Which sentence contains an adverbial complement?
Explanation:
In “I go to school,” “to school” is not just any adverbial — it’s essential to the verb “go.” Try removing it: “I go” feels incomplete. That’s a defining feature of an adverbial complement — it’s necessary to complete the verb’s meaning.
#10. What makes an adverbial complement different from a regular adverbial?
Explanation:
Unlike an optional adverb (adjunct), an adverbial complement is required to complete the verb’s meaning. Try removing it — if the sentence feels broken, you’ve removed a complement.
#11. In the sentence, what is the complement? – :We named our son Arjun.
Explanation:
“Arjun” is the object complement. It renames the object “our son.” You’re not just naming someone — you’re naming them Arjun. That’s what makes it a complement: it completes the meaning of both the verb and the object.
#12. Which of the following is an example of a noun clause working as a verb complement?
Explanation:
“That she lied” is a noun clause acting as the object of the verb “know.” You don’t just “know” — you know something. That “something” is the verb complement.
#13. What’s the difference between a subject complement and an object complement?
Explanation:
A subject complement follows a linking verb and refers back to the subject. An object complement follows a direct object and refers to or modifies it.
#14. Choose the sentence with a predicate adjective (type of subject complement):
Explanation:
“Sleepy” is an adjective describing the subject “child” through the linking verb “looks.” It’s a predicate adjective — a kind of subject complement that describes (not renames) the subject.
#15. Identify the complement and its type-: It is unfortunate that they lost the game.
Explanation:
“That they lost the game” is a noun clause functioning as an adjective complement — it gives more information about the adjective “unfortunate.” Without it, we wouldn’t know what’s unfortunate.
If you’re still wondering how to use types of complements in English, or just want to see more examples of types of complements in real life, I’ve got you covered.
Check out my Beginner’s Guide to types of complements in English (with real-world examples and mistakes to avoid) — it’s a simple, practical breakdown that builds fluency without the fluff.
Click here to read the full guide on types of complement
Whether you’re prepping for exams, brushing up on grammar, or trying to sound more fluent at work — this guide is for you.
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