Johanna brings up good examples, pointing out that Nouns can perform the function of adverbs or adverbials. Max Morenberg (Doing Grammar, 1997 Oxford U. Press) might render this as follows: NP:S BE NP:Advplace which might be translated as an Noun Phrase performing the work of subject + a form of the verb BE + a Noun Phrase performing the work of an adverb of place. John Kirchner wrote regarding the following: >John is here. >John is in the kitchen. > > >Would I be drummed out of the profession if I called that adverb a >complement because it completes its verb as much as subject complements >or direct objects complete their verbs? >When is the exam? >The exam is Thursday. >The exam is next week. Alternatively, and again, quoting Morenberg, he notes that "some grammarians classify the adjectives, nouns and adverbs that follow BE as SUBJECTIVE COMPLEMENT." (p. 14). So, I would agree with Michael that one might call "thursday" or "in June" a complement, but for a reason different than he suggests. I think the "complement" classification comes not because it "completes the verb", but because it specifies a trait of some entity, itself, or renames that entity as in I consider my dog very smart Thus, 'my dog' is Noun Phrase functioning as Object. and "very smart" is an adjective phrase functioning as Object complement. Thus "very smart" is a trait of the dog itself. If you think of it, most post verbal nouns "complete the verb" in some sense, so that wouldn't distinguish NPs functioning as Direct Objects, from NPs functioning as Complements (as in I consider my dog the best dog on the block) (where 'the best dog on the block' is a NP functioning as Object complement). So, I'd agree with the 'complement' possibility but suggest a different 'why'. :) rebecca ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Rebecca S. Wheeler, Ph.D. [log in to unmask] 1201 University Circle Department of English office phone: (801) 626-6009 Weber State University office fax: (801) 626-7760 Ogden, UTah 84408-1201 USA ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^