Section 16.2 Complement Clauses
You know from Chapter 13 that clauses can function as modifiers—relative clauses and adverb clauses attach to nouns and main clauses to add information. But clauses can also fill argument slots: they can be the object of a verb, the complement of an adjective, or the content of a noun. When a clause does that work, it is called a complement clause. Sentences like I believe that she is honest or She wants to leave or He denied stealing the money all contain embedded clauses that are not modifying anything—they are completing the meaning of a verb that demands them.
Complement clauses complete the meaning of verbs, adjectives, or nouns. They differ from relative clauses (which modify) and adverb clauses (which provide circumstantial information).
Verb Complements.
Many verbs take clausal complements:
That-clauses:
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I believe that she’s honest.
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He admitted that he was wrong.
Infinitive clauses:
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She wants to leave.
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He persuaded her to stay.
Gerund clauses:
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She enjoys swimming.
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He denied stealing the money.
Wh-clauses:
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I wonder what she said.
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Tell me how you did it.
Adjective Complements.
Adjectives can also take complement clauses:
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I’m glad that you came.
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She’s eager to help.
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He’s afraid of failing.
Noun Complements.
Nouns derived from verbs can take similar complements:
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her belief that honesty matters
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his desire to succeed
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the fact that she resigned
