ADJECTIVE COMPLEMENT

When used, these complements always follow adjectives. They provide necessary support for the adjective to complete its meaning, and can be NOUN CLAUSES or PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES. Not all adjectives require a complement.

e.g. RETAILERS SEEM EAGER TO PROMOTE SALES.
- “to promote sales” (required noun clause reduced by the infinitive) complementing the adjective “eager”

e.g. YOUNG CHILDREN ARE OFTEN AFRAID OF THE DARK.
- “of the dark” (required prepositional phrase) complementing the adjective “afraid”.

e.g. THE AWARD MADE HIM FEEL PROUD [OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENT].
- “[of his accomplishment]” (not required prepositional phrase) complementing the adjective “proud”