Complement
A clause element that completes the meaning of a linking verb or provides additional information about the subject or object. Complements are necessary for complete meaning.
Real World
When Boris Johnson declared "Brexit means Brexit," the subject complement is identical to the subject, creating a tautology that sounds definitive while actually avoiding any concrete definition.
Exam Focus
Distinguish complements from objects — complements describe the subject or object rather than receiving the action of the verb.
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