Realizations of the Subject Complement
Attributive subject complements are realized by AdjGs and NGs. Identifying Subject Complements can be realized by NGs and by clauses.
(a) Attributive Complements (S-P-Cs) – She was ambitious
AdjG She is twenty-two years old.
NG Sam is a very lucky man.
As + NG His research was recognized as a great contribution to science.
The Rolling Stones’ concert was acclaimed as the event of the season.
(b) Identifying Complements (S-P-Cs) – Her name was Bettina
NG Sierra Leone is one of the world’s biggest producers of diamonds.
Fin. that-cl. Ken’s belief is that things can’t get any worse.
Nominal relative cl. He has become what he always wanted to be.
Non-fin. bare inf.cl. The only thing I did was tell him to go away.
Non-fin. to-inf. -S My advice is to withdraw.
+ for + S The best plan is for you to go by train.
Non-fin. -ing cl -S What I don’t enjoy is standing in queues.
+S What most people prefer is others doing/for others to do the work.
Note that NGs and AdjGs can occur as attributive or identifying Subject Complements, in passive clauses derived from S-P-Od-Co structures:
You are regarded as a friend of the family. (We regard you as a friend of the family)
The gates were left open all night. (Someone left the gates open all night)
Some realizations of Subject Complement are illustrated in the following passage:
Cyclists are not only healthy1 – they are smart.2 Bike riding is one of the most efficient ways of getting about.3 When comparing the energy expended with speed and distance covered, even the rustiest two-wheeler outstrips the hummingbird, the cheetah and the jumbo jet.
There are an estimated 14 million bikes in Britain – with 5 million of them gathering dust in garages. A pity, because bicycles are so versatile as transport or for simple pleasure.4
While getting you to work,5 a bicycle also gets you fit.6 For every half an hour’s pedalling, a 150lb person burns up 300 calories. The heart and back leg muscles are strengthened – all while sitting down. Because the bodyweight is supported, cycling is effective exercise.7
