Complements vs. Adjuncts
Tests for complementation
1. Semantics:
Does the phrase complete the meaning of the sentence or just add extra information?
Complements complete the meaning of the sentence; adjuncts add additional information (time, place, manner).
2. Selection:
Is the phrase selected by the head? Does there seem to be a relationship between the head and the phrase?
If there is a relationship between the head and the XP then the XP is a complement, if not then it is an adjunct.
Complements are selected (chosen) by the head whereas adjuncts are not selected by the head and can occur freely.
3. Optionality:
Is the phrase optional? This test is not the most reliable as complements can at times be optional! If the phrase is obligatory, then it is a complement. Adjuncts are always optional. If the phrase is optional, one can not tell if the XP is an adjunct or complement!
4. Ordering:
Complements precede adjuncts and are closer to the head than adjuncts:
•If the XP can precede a known complement, then it is also a complement
•If the XP cannot easily precede a known complement, then it is an adjunct
•If the XP can easily follow a known adjunct then it is an adjunct
•If the XP cannot easily follow a known adjunct, then it is a complement
1. Semantics:
Does the phrase complete the meaning of the sentence or just add extra information?
Complements complete the meaning of the sentence; adjuncts add additional information (time, place, manner).
2. Selection:
Is the phrase selected by the head? Does there seem to be a relationship between the head and the phrase?
If there is a relationship between the head and the XP then the XP is a complement, if not then it is an adjunct.
Complements are selected (chosen) by the head whereas adjuncts are not selected by the head and can occur freely.
3. Optionality:
Is the phrase optional? This test is not the most reliable as complements can at times be optional! If the phrase is obligatory, then it is a complement. Adjuncts are always optional. If the phrase is optional, one can not tell if the XP is an adjunct or complement!
4. Ordering:
Complements precede adjuncts and are closer to the head than adjuncts:
•If the XP can precede a known complement, then it is also a complement
•If the XP cannot easily precede a known complement, then it is an adjunct
•If the XP can easily follow a known adjunct then it is an adjunct
•If the XP cannot easily follow a known adjunct, then it is a complement