Complement Phrase or CP

1. COMPLEMENT PHRASE
PREPARED BY:
ELDRIAN LOUIE B. MANUYAG
BSED – 1A (FILIPINO)

2. WHAT ARE COMPLEMENT
PHRASES?
2

3. COMPLEMENT PHRASE (CP)
» In English grammar, a complement phrase is also called as
complementizer phrase or complement clause. It serves to
complete the meaning of a noun or verb in a sentence.
» Complement phrases are generally introduced by
subordinating conjunctions (also known as
complementizers) and contain the typical elements of
clauses: a verb (always), a subject (usually), and direct and
indirect objects (sometimes).
3

4. 4

5. » The label complementizer refers to that part of speech which
includes the words which introduce complement phrases.
» Examples are that and whether. If is also a complementizer
when it means whether.
» The complementizer is attached to a simple sentence to
embed it into the larger structure of the complex sentence.
» SENTENCES within sentences.
» They act as the direct object.
5

6. TAKE NOTE!
» S = Sentence
» NP = Noun Phrase  N = Noun
» VP = Verb Phrase  V = Verb
» CP = Complement Phrase  C = Complementizer
6

7. For example,
The teacher believes that the student knows the answer.
7

8. The teacher believes that the student knows the answer.
8
Simple Sentence

9. The teacher believes that the student knows the answer.
9
Complement Phrase
CP  C S

10. 10

11. 11

12. Example:
» I am sure she is coming.
I am sure that she is coming.
» My mother suggested I should consult a doctor.
 My mother suggested that I should consult a doctor.
In some cases, the C may be omitted. 12

13. 13
Other example

14. Let’s analayze!
I believe that Christopher knew that Harry helped Rody.
14
Simple Sentence

15. Let’s analayze!
I believe that Christopher knew that Harry helped Rody.
15
Complex Sentence

16. In this sentence there are 2 CP, can you identify them?
(1) CP – that Christopher knew that Harry helped Rody
(2) CP – that Harry helped Rody
16

17. » Complement Phrase serves to complete the meaning of a noun or
verb in a sentence and it is introduced by complementizers.
» Common complementizers are: if, whether, that
» FUNCTIONS:
» CP as the Direct Object (DO)
- The thing being acted by the verb.
- Example: I know that you are lying.
17

18. » CP as a Subordinate Clause
- It can’t stand alone.
- Example: Mae will come if you will forgive her.
» CP as Relative Clause
- describes the NOUN.
- Example: The girl that she courted is now married to his best friend.
18

19. Let’s test your minds!
1. “Ella said that you are going to the party.”
-- What is the CP in this sentence?
-- What is the C?
2. “Nely is beautiful.”
-- What is the C in this sentence?
19
Ans: that you are going to the party.
Ans: that
Ans: NONE

20. Let’s test your minds!
3. “Sharon asked me if you will teach her.”
-- What is the CP in this sentence?
-- What is the C?
4. “My brother told me that I should not waste my time. ”
-- What is the CP in this sentence?
-- What is the C?
20
Ans: if you will teach her
Ans: if
Ans: that I should not waste my time.
Ans: that

21. YOU
FOR LISTENING!
21
THANK