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Subjects, predicates, objects, complements and adverbials.
Practice: build the sentences →A sentence is built from grammatical elements such as subjects, predicates, objects, complements, and adverbials.
Understanding these elements helps learners identify sentence structure and understand how different words and phrases function within a clause.
The children are playing in the garden.
Дети играют в саду.
The subject is "The children"; the predicate is "are playing in the garden".
She opened the door carefully.
Она осторожно открыла дверь.
Subject "She"; verb "opened"; object "the door"; adverbial "carefully".
The weather changed suddenly.
Погода внезапно изменилась.
Subject "The weather"; verb "changed"; adverbial "suddenly".
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
Subject "John"; linking verb "is"; subject complement "a teacher".
They bought a new car yesterday.
Они вчера купили новую машину.
Subject "They"; verb "bought"; object "a new car"; adverbial "yesterday".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
Subject "The room"; linking verb "is"; subject complement "quiet".
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
Subject "She"; verb "gave"; indirect object "me"; direct object "a present".
The children laughed loudly.
Дети громко смеялись.
Subject "The children"; verb "laughed"; adverbial "loudly".
The subject is the person, thing, or concept that a clause is about or that performs or experiences the action expressed by the verb.
For example, The children are playing and The weather changed suddenly.
The children are playing.
Дети играют.
The subject is "The children".
The weather changed suddenly.
Погода внезапно изменилась.
The subject is "The weather".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The subject is "She".
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
The subject is "John".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The subject is "They".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The subject is "The room".
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
The subject is "She".
The children laughed loudly.
Дети громко смеялись.
The subject is "The children".
A subject can be a single word or a longer noun phrase containing determiners, adjectives, and other modifiers.
For example, Children laughed and The children from the neighbouring school laughed.
Children laughed.
Дети смеялись.
The subject is a single word "Children".
The children from the neighbouring school laughed.
Дети из соседней школы смеялись.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The children from the neighbouring school".
The tall man in the blue suit arrived.
Высокий мужчина в синем костюме прибыл.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The tall man in the blue suit".
The little girl with red hair is my sister.
Маленькая девочка с рыжими волосами — моя сестра.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The little girl with red hair".
The old house on the hill was sold.
Старый дом на холме был продан.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The old house on the hill".
The students who studied hard passed.
Студенты, которые усердно учились, сдали.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The students who studied hard".
The book that I bought is interesting.
Книга, которую я купил, интересная.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The book that I bought".
The car parked outside belongs to my neighbour.
Машина, припаркованная снаружи, принадлежит моему соседу.
The subject is the complex noun phrase "The car parked outside".
The predicate is the part of the clause that contains the verb and provides information about the subject.
For example, in The children are playing outside, are playing outside forms the predicate.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
The predicate is "are playing outside".
She opened the door carefully.
Она осторожно открыла дверь.
The predicate is "opened the door carefully".
The weather changed suddenly.
Погода внезапно изменилась.
The predicate is "changed suddenly".
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
The predicate is "is a teacher".
They bought a new car yesterday.
Они вчера купили новую машину.
The predicate is "bought a new car yesterday".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The predicate is "is quiet".
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
The predicate is "gave me a present".
The children laughed loudly.
Дети громко смеялись.
The predicate is "laughed loudly".
A finite verb carries tense or agrees with the subject and forms the grammatical core of a finite clause.
For example, works, worked, is working, and has finished are finite verb forms.
She works in a hospital.
Она работает в больнице.
The finite verb is "works"; it carries tense and agrees with the subject.
They worked all day.
Они работали весь день.
The finite verb is "worked"; it carries past tense.
He is working now.
Он сейчас работает.
The finite verb is "is working"; it carries present tense and agrees with the subject.
She has finished her homework.
Она закончила домашнюю работу.
The finite verb is "has finished"; it carries present perfect tense.
The children play in the park.
Дети играют в парке.
The finite verb is "play"; it agrees with the plural subject.
The child plays in the park.
Ребёнок играет в парке.
The finite verb is "plays"; it agrees with the singular subject.
We were waiting for the bus.
Мы ждали автобус.
The finite verb is "were waiting"; it carries past tense and agrees with the subject.
He will arrive tomorrow.
Он приедет завтра.
The finite verb is "will arrive"; it carries future tense.
An object is a noun phrase or other constituent that is directly affected by or associated with the action of certain verbs.
For example, She opened the door and They bought a new car.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The object is "the door"; it is directly affected by the action.
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The object is "a new car"; it is directly affected by the action.
We invited John.
Мы пригласили Джона.
The object is "John"; it is directly affected by the action.
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
The object is "the book"; it is directly affected by the action.
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
The object is "the cat"; it is directly affected by the action.
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
The object is "the question"; it is directly affected by the action.
They discussed the problem.
Они обсудили проблему.
The object is "the problem"; it is directly affected by the action.
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The object is "a letter"; it is directly affected by the action.
A direct object is the primary object of a transitive verb and commonly answers the question of what or whom after the verb.
For example, She read the book and We invited John.
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
The direct object is "the book"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
We invited John.
Мы пригласили Джона.
The direct object is "John"; it answers the question "whom?" after the verb.
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The direct object is "a new car"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The direct object is "the door"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
The direct object is "the question"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
The direct object is "the cat"; it answers the question "whom?" after the verb.
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The direct object is "a letter"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
They discussed the problem.
Они обсудили проблему.
The direct object is "the problem"; it answers the question "what?" after the verb.
An indirect object identifies the recipient or beneficiary of an action involving another object.
For example, She gave me a present. Me is the indirect object and a present is the direct object.
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
The indirect object is "me"; it identifies the recipient of "a present".
They sent me an email.
Они отправили мне электронное письмо.
The indirect object is "me"; it identifies the recipient of "an email".
She bought her son a bicycle.
Она купила своему сыну велосипед.
The indirect object is "her son"; it identifies the beneficiary of "a bicycle".
He told us a story.
Он рассказал нам историю.
The indirect object is "us"; it identifies the recipient of "a story".
The teacher gave the students homework.
Учитель дал ученикам домашнее задание.
The indirect object is "the students"; it identifies the recipient of "homework".
She showed me her new dress.
Она показала мне своё новое платье.
The indirect object is "me"; it identifies the recipient of "her new dress".
They offered him a job.
Они предложили ему работу.
The indirect object is "him"; it identifies the recipient of "a job".
She read the children a story.
Она прочитала детям историю.
The indirect object is "the children"; it identifies the beneficiary of "a story".
Some verbs can take two objects in a construction where one object is the recipient and the other is the thing transferred.
For example, They sent me an email and She bought her son a bicycle.
They sent me an email.
Они отправили мне электронное письмо.
The indirect object "me" is the recipient, and the direct object "an email" is the thing transferred.
She bought her son a bicycle.
Она купила своему сыну велосипед.
The indirect object "her son" is the beneficiary, and the direct object "a bicycle" is the thing transferred.
He told us a story.
Он рассказал нам историю.
The indirect object "us" is the recipient, and the direct object "a story" is the thing transferred.
The teacher gave the students homework.
Учитель дал ученикам домашнее задание.
The indirect object "the students" is the recipient, and the direct object "homework" is the thing transferred.
She showed me her new dress.
Она показала мне своё новое платье.
The indirect object "me" is the recipient, and the direct object "her new dress" is the thing shown.
They offered him a job.
Они предложили ему работу.
The indirect object "him" is the recipient, and the direct object "a job" is the thing offered.
She read the children a story.
Она прочитала детям историю.
The indirect object "the children" is the beneficiary, and the direct object "a story" is the thing read.
He passed me the salt.
Он передал мне соль.
The indirect object "me" is the recipient, and the direct object "the salt" is the thing transferred.
An object complement identifies, describes, or changes the status of the direct object.
For example, They elected him president and The news made her angry.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
The object complement "president" identifies the direct object "him".
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
The object complement "angry" describes the direct object "her".
They painted the door red.
Они покрасили дверь в красный цвет.
The object complement "red" describes the direct object "the door".
The committee appointed her manager.
Комитет назначил её менеджером.
The object complement "manager" identifies the direct object "her".
We found the movie boring.
Мы нашли фильм скучным.
The object complement "boring" describes the direct object "the movie".
She called him a liar.
Она назвала его лжецом.
The object complement "a liar" identifies the direct object "him".
The judge declared the man innocent.
Судья признал мужчину невиновным.
The object complement "innocent" describes the direct object "the man".
They made him the team captain.
Они сделали его капитаном команды.
The object complement "the team captain" identifies the direct object "him".
A subject complement identifies or describes the subject, commonly after linking verbs such as be, seem, become, and remain.
For example, She is a doctor and The situation became difficult.
She is a doctor.
Она врач.
The subject complement "a doctor" identifies the subject "She".
The situation became difficult.
Ситуация стала сложной.
The subject complement "difficult" describes the subject "The situation".
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
The subject complement "tired" describes the subject "He".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The subject complement "quiet" describes the subject "The room".
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
The subject complement "a teacher" identifies the subject "John".
She became the team leader.
Она стала лидером команды.
The subject complement "the team leader" identifies the subject "She".
The children became excited.
Дети стали взволнованными.
The subject complement "excited" describes the subject "The children".
The weather remained cold.
Погода оставалась холодной.
The subject complement "cold" describes the subject "The weather".
A predicative noun is a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement.
For example, John is a teacher and She became the team leader.
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
The predicative noun "a teacher" functions as a subject complement.
She became the team leader.
Она стала лидером команды.
The predicative noun "the team leader" functions as a subject complement.
He is a doctor.
Он врач.
The predicative noun "a doctor" functions as a subject complement.
She remains a mystery.
Она остаётся загадкой.
The predicative noun "a mystery" functions as a subject complement.
He became an engineer.
Он стал инженером.
The predicative noun "an engineer" functions as a subject complement.
She is the manager.
Она менеджер.
The predicative noun "the manager" functions as a subject complement.
He seems a nice person.
Он кажется хорошим человеком.
The predicative noun "a nice person" functions as a subject complement.
She turned out a talented singer.
Она оказалась талантливой певицей.
The predicative noun "a talented singer" functions as a subject complement.
A predicative adjective functions as a subject complement and describes the subject after a linking verb.
For example, The room is quiet and The children became excited.
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The predicative adjective "quiet" describes the subject after the linking verb "is".
The children became excited.
Дети стали взволнованными.
The predicative adjective "excited" describes the subject after the linking verb "became".
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
The predicative adjective "tired" describes the subject after the linking verb "seems".
The situation became difficult.
Ситуация стала сложной.
The predicative adjective "difficult" describes the subject after the linking verb "became".
The weather remained cold.
Погода оставалась холодной.
The predicative adjective "cold" describes the subject after the linking verb "remained".
She looks happy.
Она выглядит счастливой.
The predicative adjective "happy" describes the subject after the linking verb "looks".
The food smells delicious.
Еда пахнет вкусно.
The predicative adjective "delicious" describes the subject after the linking verb "smells".
The music sounds beautiful.
Музыка звучит красиво.
The predicative adjective "beautiful" describes the subject after the linking verb "sounds".
Adverbials provide information about circumstances such as time, place, manner, frequency, reason, or condition.
For example, She works in London, He arrived yesterday, and They spoke quietly.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
The adverbial "in London" provides information about place.
He arrived yesterday.
Он прибыл вчера.
The adverbial "yesterday" provides information about time.
They spoke quietly.
Они говорили тихо.
The adverbial "quietly" provides information about manner.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
The adverbial "often" provides information about frequency.
He left because he was tired.
Он ушёл, потому что устал.
The adverbial "because he was tired" provides information about reason.
She went to the shop to buy milk.
Она пошла в магазин, чтобы купить молоко.
The adverbial "to buy milk" provides information about purpose.
They visit us every weekend.
Они навещают нас каждые выходные.
The adverbial "every weekend" provides information about frequency.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
The adverbial "outside" provides information about place.
A time adverbial indicates when or for how long an event occurs.
For example, We arrived yesterday and She has lived here for five years.
We arrived yesterday.
Мы прибыли вчера.
The time adverbial "yesterday" indicates when the event occurred.
She has lived here for five years.
Она живёт здесь пять лет.
The time adverbial "for five years" indicates how long the event has lasted.
He will arrive tomorrow.
Он приедет завтра.
The time adverbial "tomorrow" indicates when the event will occur.
They met last week.
Они встретились на прошлой неделе.
The time adverbial "last week" indicates when the event occurred.
She works late every day.
Она работает допоздна каждый день.
The time adverbial "every day" indicates how often the event occurs.
We will meet in an hour.
Мы встретимся через час.
The time adverbial "in an hour" indicates when the event will occur.
He has been working since morning.
Он работает с утра.
The time adverbial "since morning" indicates when the event started.
They stayed until midnight.
Они оставались до полуночи.
The time adverbial "until midnight" indicates when the event ended.
A place adverbial indicates where an event occurs or where someone or something is located.
For example, They live in London and The children are playing outside.
They live in London.
Они живут в Лондоне.
The place adverbial "in London" indicates where they live.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
The place adverbial "outside" indicates where they are playing.
She works at the hospital.
Она работает в больнице.
The place adverbial "at the hospital" indicates where she works.
He put the keys on the table.
Он положил ключи на стол.
The place adverbial "on the table" indicates where the keys were put.
We met at the station.
Мы встретились на вокзале.
The place adverbial "at the station" indicates where they met.
The book is on the shelf.
Книга на полке.
The place adverbial "on the shelf" indicates where the book is located.
They walked through the park.
Они шли через парк.
The place adverbial "through the park" indicates where they walked.
She sat near the window.
Она сидела у окна.
The place adverbial "near the window" indicates where she sat.
A manner adverbial describes how an action is performed.
For example, She spoke quietly and He completed the task carefully.
She spoke quietly.
Она говорила тихо.
The manner adverbial "quietly" describes how she spoke.
He completed the task carefully.
Он выполнил задание тщательно.
The manner adverbial "carefully" describes how he completed the task.
They walked slowly.
Они шли медленно.
The manner adverbial "slowly" describes how they walked.
She answered politely.
Она ответила вежливо.
The manner adverbial "politely" describes how she answered.
He drives dangerously.
Он водит опасно.
The manner adverbial "dangerously" describes how he drives.
She sings beautifully.
Она поёт красиво.
The manner adverbial "beautifully" describes how she sings.
He explained the problem clearly.
Он объяснил проблему ясно.
The manner adverbial "clearly" describes how he explained the problem.
They worked efficiently.
Они работали эффективно.
The manner adverbial "efficiently" describes how they worked.
A frequency adverbial indicates how often an event occurs.
For example, She often works late and They visit us every weekend.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
The frequency adverbial "often" indicates how often she works late.
They visit us every weekend.
Они навещают нас каждые выходные.
The frequency adverbial "every weekend" indicates how often they visit.
He always arrives on time.
Он всегда приходит вовремя.
The frequency adverbial "always" indicates how often he arrives on time.
She never eats meat.
Она никогда не ест мясо.
The frequency adverbial "never" indicates how often she eats meat.
They sometimes go to the cinema.
Они иногда ходят в кино.
The frequency adverbial "sometimes" indicates how often they go to the cinema.
We usually have lunch at noon.
Мы обычно обедаем в полдень.
The frequency adverbial "usually" indicates how often they have lunch at noon.
She rarely watches TV.
Она редко смотрит телевизор.
The frequency adverbial "rarely" indicates how often she watches TV.
He checks his email twice a day.
Он проверяет почту два раза в день.
The frequency adverbial "twice a day" indicates how often he checks his email.
An adverbial can explain why an action occurs or what purpose it serves.
For example, He left because he was tired and She went to the shop to buy milk.
He left because he was tired.
Он ушёл, потому что устал.
The reason adverbial "because he was tired" explains why he left.
She went to the shop to buy milk.
Она пошла в магазин, чтобы купить молоко.
The purpose adverbial "to buy milk" explains why she went to the shop.
They stayed home because it was raining.
Они остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
The reason adverbial "because it was raining" explains why they stayed home.
She studies hard to pass the exam.
Она усердно учится, чтобы сдать экзамен.
The purpose adverbial "to pass the exam" explains why she studies hard.
He apologized because he was late.
Он извинился, потому что опоздал.
The reason adverbial "because he was late" explains why he apologized.
She saved money to buy a car.
Она копила деньги, чтобы купить машину.
The purpose adverbial "to buy a car" explains why she saved money.
We left early because we wanted to avoid traffic.
Мы ушли рано, потому что хотели избежать пробок.
The reason adverbial "because we wanted to avoid traffic" explains why they left early.
He called to ask for help.
Он позвонил, чтобы попросить о помощи.
The purpose adverbial "to ask for help" explains why he called.
A complement is required or strongly selected by certain words or structures, while an adverbial generally provides additional circumstantial information.
For example, She became a doctor requires a subject complement, while She worked in London adds an optional place adverbial.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
The subject complement "a doctor" is required by the verb "became".
She worked in London.
Она работала в Лондоне.
The place adverbial "in London" is optional additional information.
He is a teacher.
Он учитель.
The subject complement "a teacher" is required by the linking verb "is".
They met at the station.
Они встретились на вокзале.
The place adverbial "at the station" adds circumstantial information.
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
The object complement "angry" is required by the verb "made" in this pattern.
She sang beautifully.
Она пела красиво.
The manner adverbial "beautifully" adds optional information about how she sang.
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The subject complement "quiet" is required by the linking verb "is".
He left because he was tired.
Он ушёл, потому что устал.
The reason adverbial "because he was tired" adds optional circumstantial information.
A transitive verb normally requires or permits a direct object.
For example, She opened the door and They discussed the problem.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The transitive verb "opened" requires a direct object "the door".
They discussed the problem.
Они обсудили проблему.
The transitive verb "discussed" requires a direct object "the problem".
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
The transitive verb "read" requires a direct object "the book".
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
The transitive verb "answered" requires a direct object "the question".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The transitive verb "bought" requires a direct object "a new car".
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The transitive verb "wrote" requires a direct object "a letter".
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
The transitive verb "chased" requires a direct object "the cat".
We invited John.
Мы пригласили Джона.
The transitive verb "invited" requires a direct object "John".
An intransitive verb does not take a direct object.
For example, The baby slept and The guests arrived.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
The intransitive verb "slept" does not take a direct object.
The guests arrived.
Гости прибыли.
The intransitive verb "arrived" does not take a direct object.
The children laughed.
Дети смеялись.
The intransitive verb "laughed" does not take a direct object.
She smiled.
Она улыбнулась.
The intransitive verb "smiled" does not take a direct object.
The sun rose.
Солнце взошло.
The intransitive verb "rose" does not take a direct object.
He died.
Он умер.
The intransitive verb "died" does not take a direct object.
They agreed.
Они согласились.
The intransitive verb "agreed" does not take a direct object.
The train departed.
Поезд отправился.
The intransitive verb "departed" does not take a direct object.
Linking verbs connect the subject to a subject complement rather than expressing a direct action on an object.
Common examples include be, seem, become, appear, remain, and feel.
She is a doctor.
Она врач.
The linking verb "is" connects the subject "She" to the subject complement "a doctor".
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
The linking verb "seems" connects the subject "He" to the subject complement "tired".
The situation became difficult.
Ситуация стала сложной.
The linking verb "became" connects the subject "The situation" to the subject complement "difficult".
The room remains quiet.
Комната остаётся тихой.
The linking verb "remains" connects the subject "The room" to the subject complement "quiet".
She appears happy.
Она кажется счастливой.
The linking verb "appears" connects the subject "She" to the subject complement "happy".
The food smells delicious.
Еда пахнет вкусно.
The linking verb "smells" connects the subject "The food" to the subject complement "delicious".
The music sounds beautiful.
Музыка звучит красиво.
The linking verb "sounds" connects the subject "The music" to the subject complement "beautiful".
He feels tired.
Он чувствует себя уставшим.
The linking verb "feels" connects the subject "He" to the subject complement "tired".
Different verbs select different complements and sentence patterns.
For example, put normally requires an object and a place expression, while seem can be followed by an adjective or infinitive.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
The verb "put" requires an object "the keys" and a place expression "on the table".
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
The verb "seems" can be followed by an adjective "tired".
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
The verb "became" can be followed by a noun phrase "a doctor".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
The verb "elected" can be followed by an object "him" and an object complement "president".
She wants to leave.
Она хочет уйти.
The verb "wants" can be followed by an infinitive "to leave".
He enjoys reading.
Он любит читать.
The verb "enjoys" can be followed by a gerund "reading".
She told me a story.
Она рассказала мне историю.
The verb "told" can be followed by an indirect object "me" and a direct object "a story".
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
The verb "made" can be followed by an object "her" and an object complement "angry".
A sentence element can itself be a clause or phrase rather than a single word.
For example, What she said surprised me contains a clause functioning as the subject.
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
The clause "What she said" functions as the subject.
I know what you mean.
Я знаю, что ты имеешь в виду.
The clause "what you mean" functions as the object.
The problem is what we should do next.
Проблема в том, что нам делать дальше.
The clause "what we should do next" functions as the subject complement.
She left because she was tired.
Она ушла, потому что устала.
The clause "because she was tired" functions as an adverbial of reason.
The book that I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
The clause "that I bought" functions as part of the subject noun phrase.
He told me that he would come.
Он сказал мне, что придёт.
The clause "that he would come" functions as the direct object.
Whoever arrives first can start.
Кто придёт первым, может начать.
The clause "Whoever arrives first" functions as the subject.
I will do whatever you ask.
Я сделаю всё, что ты попросишь.
The clause "whatever you ask" functions as the object.
The same basic sentence elements can be arranged differently to emphasize different information.
For example, The manager gave John the report and John was given the report by the manager present the same event from different structural viewpoints.
The manager gave John the report.
Менеджер дал Джону отчёт.
The indirect object "John" comes before the direct object "the report".
John was given the report by the manager.
Джону был дан отчёт менеджером.
The passive construction emphasizes "John" as the recipient.
The report was given to John by the manager.
Отчёт был дан Джону менеджером.
The passive construction emphasizes "the report" as the thing transferred.
She sent me an email.
Она отправила мне электронное письмо.
The indirect object "me" comes before the direct object "an email".
An email was sent to me by her.
Электронное письмо было отправлено мне ею.
The passive construction emphasizes "an email".
They offered him a job.
Они предложили ему работу.
The indirect object "him" comes before the direct object "a job".
He was offered a job.
Ему предложили работу.
The passive construction emphasizes "He" as the recipient.
A job was offered to him.
Работа была предложена ему.
The passive construction emphasizes "a job".
Some sentence elements are required by the verb or construction, while others can be omitted without making the clause ungrammatical.
For example, She put the keys on the table requires a place complement, while She slept on the sofa contains an optional place expression.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
The verb "put" requires both an object "the keys" and a place expression "on the table".
She slept on the sofa.
Она спала на диване.
The place expression "on the sofa" is optional; "She slept" is grammatical alone.
He gave me a present.
Он дал мне подарок.
The verb "gave" requires both an indirect object "me" and a direct object "a present".
He sang beautifully.
Он красиво пел.
The manner adverbial "beautifully" is optional; "He sang" is grammatical alone.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
The verb "became" requires a subject complement "a doctor".
She worked in London.
Она работала в Лондоне.
The place adverbial "in London" is optional.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
The verb "elected" requires an object "him" and an object complement "president".
He left because he was tired.
Он ушёл, потому что устал.
The reason adverbial "because he was tired" is optional.
An object complement describes or identifies the object, while a subject complement describes or identifies the subject.
Compare They painted the door red with The door became red.
They painted the door red.
Они покрасили дверь в красный цвет.
The object complement "red" describes the direct object "the door".
The door became red.
Дверь стала красной.
The subject complement "red" describes the subject "The door".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
The object complement "president" identifies the direct object "him".
He became president.
Он стал президентом.
The subject complement "president" identifies the subject "He".
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
The object complement "angry" describes the direct object "her".
She became angry.
Она рассердилась.
The subject complement "angry" describes the subject "She".
We found the movie boring.
Мы нашли фильм скучным.
The object complement "boring" describes the direct object "the movie".
The movie was boring.
Фильм был скучным.
The subject complement "boring" describes the subject "The movie".
Sentence analysis requires identifying each element by its grammatical function rather than simply by its position.
A noun phrase can function as a subject, object, or complement, and an adverbial can occur in different positions.
The children are playing in the garden.
Дети играют в саду.
"The children" is the subject; "are playing in the garden" is the predicate.
She opened the door carefully.
Она осторожно открыла дверь.
"She" is the subject; "the door" is the object; "carefully" is an adverbial.
John is a teacher.
Джон учитель.
"John" is the subject; "a teacher" is a subject complement.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
"him" is the object; "president" is an object complement.
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
"me" is the indirect object; "a present" is the direct object.
He left because he was tired.
Он ушёл, потому что устал.
"because he was tired" is an adverbial of reason.
The book that I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
"The book that I bought" is the subject; "that I bought" is part of the subject.
What she said surprised me.
То, что она сказала, удивило меня.
"What she said" is a clause functioning as the subject.
Identify sentence elements according to their grammatical function and the requirements of the verb or construction.
Common mistakes include confusing objects with complements, treating every adverb as an adverbial, assuming every verb takes an object, and identifying elements solely by their position in the sentence.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
Correct: "a doctor" is a subject complement, not an object.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Correct: "president" is an object complement, not an adverbial.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Correct: "slept" is intransitive and does not take an object.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Correct: "the door" is a direct object.
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
Correct: "tired" is a subject complement after the linking verb "seems".
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
Correct: "in London" is an adverbial, not an object.
They gave me a present.
Они дали мне подарок.
Correct: "me" is an indirect object and "a present" is a direct object.
The children laughed loudly.
Дети громко смеялись.
Correct: "laughed" is intransitive and "loudly" is an adverbial.