The Difference Between Direct Object and Object Complement in English Sentences
In English grammar, there are different types of objects in a sentence. Two types of objects that are commonly confused are direct object and object complement. In this article, we will explain the difference between the two and provide examples to help you understand.
Direct Object
A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb in a sentence. It answers the question "what" or "whom." In other words, the direct object is what or who is receiving the action of the verb.
Example: Mary ate the apple.
In this sentence, "apple" is the direct object because it is what Mary ate.
Object Complement
An object complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that refers to the direct object of a sentence. It provides more information about the direct object. Unlike a direct object, the object complement cannot stand alone as the object of the verb. It needs a direct object to modify.
Example: The teacher called John a genius.
In this sentence, "genius" is the object complement because it refers to John, who is the direct object of the verb "called."
The Difference Between Direct Object and Object Complement
The main difference between direct object and object complement is that the direct object is directly receiving the action of the verb, while the object complement provides more information about the direct object.
Another difference is that the direct object can stand alone as the object of the sentence, while the object complement needs a direct object to modify.
Examples:
1. John painted the house yellow.
In this sentence, "house" is the direct object and "yellow" is the object complement because it is providing more information about the direct object.
2. She considered him a friend.
In this sentence, "him" is the direct object and "friend" is the object complement because it is providing more information about the direct object.
3. The movie made her cry.
In this sentence, "her" is the direct object and "cry" is not an object complement because it is not providing more information about the direct object. It is a second verb in the sentence.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between direct object and object complement is important for clear and effective English communication. Remember that the direct object receives the action of the verb, while the object complement modifies the direct object.