The term complementation is used differently in various modern linguistic theories, but it is used here in the more traditional sense as put forward in Quirk et al. (1972:§7.3),, i.e. referring to the various types of structures which complete the sense of or complement the verb. These include direct and indirect objects, (obligatory) adverbials, and nouns and adjectives (subject and object complements), which Quirk et al. illustrate with the following examples of the seven basic English clause patterns:
1. subject complement (adjective or noun)
Mary is kind/a nurse.
2. adverbial complement (adverb or prepositional phrase)
Mary is here/in the house.
3. no complement
The child was laughing.
4. direct object
Somebody caught the ball.
5. direct object + object complement
We have proved him wrong/a fool.
6. direct object + adverbial complement
I put the plate on the table.
7. indirect object + direct object
She gives me expensive presents.
Finite and non-finite (infinitive and -ing participle) clauses, as well as nouns, can function as direct object complements:
I know (that) he came (finite clause direct object)
I wanted him to come (infinitive clause direct object with expressed subject)
I dreaded his coming (-ing participle direct object)
The following sections are concerned with errors that occur in various of these complement structures.