Complement

Question

Mary called John a rascal.Why is "a rascal" a complement in the above sentence but not the modifier in the noun phrase "John a rascal"?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Because 'John a rascal' is not a noun phrase: the determiner cannot be placed there.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister MicawberBecause 'John a rascal' is not a noun phrase: the determiner cannot be placed there.

Thanks for the reply.

I've been confused a bit with that after I came across the noun phrase ""man the hunter" in the grammar book "English Grammar for Today" where authors say that "the hunter" is a modifier of the head of the phrase, i.e. "man". (The determiner "the" is placed in the middle of that phrase.)

AlpheccaStars · Answer

AnonymousI've been confused a bit with that after I came across the noun phrase ""man the hunter" in the grammar book "English Grammar for Today" where authors say that "the hunter" is a modifier of the head of the phrase, i.e. "man". (The determiner "the" is placed in the middle of that phrase.)

The definite article is unusual and literary or poetic.
Usually there would be commas, setting off the second noun phrase as an attributive.

Man, the hunter, provided meat for his clan and protected it against predators.
Woman, the gatherer, provided grains, fruits, herbs and vegetables and raised the next generation.

John, the rascal of the family, was always playing tricks.
John, a rascal, is not to be trusted.

Anonymous · Answer

AlpheccaStarsThe definite article is unusual and literary or poetic.Usually there would be commas, setting off the second noun phrase as an attributive.

I see.

Complement

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