complement clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Linguistics, Academic)
Quick answer
What does “complement clause” mean?
A subordinate clause that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun in the main clause by acting as its object, subject, or predicative complement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subordinate clause that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun in the main clause by acting as its object, subject, or predicative complement.
In formal grammar, a clause that functions as a core argument of a predicate, often introduced by a complementizer (e.g., 'that', 'whether', 'if') or as a to-infinitive or -ing clause.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core usage. Minor variation in preferred terminology in some linguistic sub-fields (e.g., 'content clause' is a more common synonym in some UK linguistic traditions).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties, confined to academic/linguistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “complement clause” in a Sentence
Verb + that-clause (e.g., 'She claimed [that she was right].')Verb + to-infinitive clause (e.g., 'He wants [to leave].')Adjective + that-clause (e.g., 'I'm sure [that it's true].')Noun + that-clause (e.g., 'The fact [that he arrived] surprised us.')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complement clause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The analysis seeks to complement the clause structure theory.
American English
- This finding complements the clause-based analysis.
adverb
British English
- The clauses function complementarily.
American English
- The theories are complementarily related.
adjective
British English
- The complementary clause analysis was groundbreaking.
American English
- She presented a complement clause hypothesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in linguistics, grammar, and language studies. Used in syntactic analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only used by individuals discussing grammar explicitly.
Technical
Essential terminology in theoretical syntax, computational linguistics, and language teaching pedagogy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complement clause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complement clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complement clause”
- Confusing it with a relative clause (which modifies a noun).
- Using the term to refer to any clause that follows a verb.
- Misspelling as 'compliment clause'.
- Thinking it must always start with 'that'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but not identical. A complement clause is a type of noun clause that specifically completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun. All complement clauses are noun clauses in function, but not all noun clauses are complements (e.g., a noun clause as subject of a verb is not always called a complement clause).
No. Complement clauses can be 'that'-clauses, 'wh'-clauses (e.g., 'I wonder whether she'll come'), to-infinitives ('I want to go'), or -ing clauses ('I enjoy swimming').
An object is a grammatical function. A complement clause often serves as the object of a verb. So, a complement clause can be an object, but it can also be a subject complement or adjective complement. 'Object' describes its role in the sentence; 'complement clause' describes its internal structure and its function of completing the predicate.
Because the word 'complement' has a general meaning in grammar (a word/phrase that completes something) and a specific meaning here. Learners also confuse it with 'compliment' (praise) and with other types of subordinate clauses like relative or adverbial clauses.
A subordinate clause that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun in the main clause by acting as its object, subject, or predicative complement.
Complement clause is usually formal, technical (linguistics, academic) in register.
Complement clause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmplɪmənt ˌklɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːmplɪmənt ˌklɔːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms contain this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPLIMENT completing someone's look; a COMPLEMENT CLAUSE completes the meaning of a verb or adjective.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLAUSE AS A TOOL/PART: The complement clause is a part (a component) needed to make the main predicate 'work' or be complete.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a complement clause?