What is the function of the complement shown in parentheses in this sentence "The gorilla in the cage gave me a chilling (look)" ?
1 Answer
The noun "look" is not functioning as a complement.
The noun "look" is the direct object of the verb "gave".
Explanation:
A complement is a word that restates the subject or the direct object in a sentence.
A subject complement is a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective that follows a linking verb to restate the subject.
A linking verb is a verb that acts as an equal sign, the subject is or becomes the object.
A noun or a pronoun functioning as a subject complement is called a predicate nominative or a predicate noun.
Example: The gorilla in the cage was a giant. (gorilla = giant)
An adjective functioning as a subject complement is called a predicate adjective.
Example: The gorilla in the cage looked scary. (gorilla = scary)
An object complement is a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective which follows a direct object to restate it.
Example: The gorilla in the cage gave me a chilling look, a glare. (chilling look = glare)
