Definition of Subject, Verb, Object, Complement Modifier and the Theory of Subject Verb Agreement

1. Definition of subject, verb, object, complement modifier and the example

Subject

The subject is the topic being discussed, could take the form of people, objects, places, or things.

sentence : He reads a book. (subject)

Verb

A verb is a word that serves to indicate the action of the subject, showing events or circumstances.

sentence : They made an awesome project (verb)

Object

The object is what the subject is affected by the work.

sentence : I am playing football (object)

Complement (Modifier)

In grammar the term complement is used with different meanings. The primary meaning is a word, phrase or clause which is necessary in a sentence to complete its meaning. We find complements which function as an argument (i.e. of equal status to subjects and objects) and complements which exist within arguments.

Both complements and modifiers add to the meaning of a sentence. However, a complement is necessary to complete a sentence; a modifier is not. For example, "Put the bread on the table" needs "on the table" to make it complete. In most dialects of English, you cannot merely put something; you need to put it somewhere. In this context, the phrase "on the table" is a complement. By contrast, "The bread on the table is fresh." does not require "on the table" to be complete, so here, the phrase "on the table" is a modifier. A modifier, unlike a complement, is an optional element of a sentence.

He is generous. This is a complete sentence. So, by the above definition, if you add something it would be a modifier, not a complement.

Example: He is generous to a fault.

Since the underlined prepositional phrase modifies an adjective, it is an adverbial modifier.

2. Theory of Subject Verb Agreement.

Subject verb agreement simply means the subject and verb must agree in number. This means both need to be singular or both need to be plural.

example :

• My dog always growls at the postal carrier.
• basketballs roll across the floor.
• I do not understand the assignment.
• Reviews These clothes are too small for me.
• Peter does not like vegetables.

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