predicative complement
nounUK /prɪˈdɪkətɪv ˈkɒmplɪmənt/
US /ˈprɛdɪˌkeɪtɪv ˈkɑmpləmənt/
A word or words that come after a linking verb and tell you something about the subject.
In 'She is happy,' the word 'happy' is a predicative complement.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A phrase that completes the meaning of a verb by describing its subject.
In 'The soup smells delicious,' 'delicious' is a predicative complement.
3. An adjective or noun that follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
In 'He became a doctor,' 'a doctor' is a predicative complement.
4. A grammatical element that gives more information about the subject after a linking verb.
In 'The sky turned dark,' 'dark' is a predicative complement.