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
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Rebecca S. Wheeler, Ph.D. [log in to unmask]
1201 University Circle
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