1-4. noun phrase constituent: complement

1-4-1. noun + that-complement clause

  1. Descriptions
    • Noun phrase complement clause
      • There are two types of noun complement clauses: (1) that-clauses and (2) to-infinitive clauses (pp. 644-645).
        • (1) that-clauses: *There were also [rumors] that Ford had now taken its stake up to the maximum 15 percent allowed.
          • Here, the that-clause is NOT a complement for the verb, but a complement for the preceding noun (i.e., "adding some descriptive information about that noun", p.645).
          • In noun complement that-clauses, the complementizer "that" CANNOT be omitted.
        • (2) to-infinitive clauses: You've been given [permission] to wear them. (Note: this is NOT included in the tag, but for reference)
    • Noun phrase postmodifiers are different from noun phrase complement clauses (p. 644)
      • Peter reached out for the well-thumbed report that lay behind him on the cupboard top. (NP postmodifier; NOT included in this tag, it should be noun + finite relative clause).
      • Other semiconductor stocks eased folluwing an industry trade group's [report] that its leading indicator fell in September. (NP complement clause; included)
  2. Tag
    • thatcls+ncomp is tagged on the main verb of the that-complement clause.
  3. Examples
    • The fact that no tracer particles were found indicates that these areas are not a pathway… (from a reference doc/table)
    • The observation that the species has adapted to urban environments challenges traditional views on wildlife habitat preferences.
    • The conclusion that global temperatures are rising faster than previously estimated is alarming.

Noun phrase (NP) complements

Earlier discussions on the verb complement clauses have clarified that complement clauses serve as dependent clauses which fulfill the role of completing a verb's meaning within a sentence. An NP complement is essentially a complement associated with a noun rather than a verb. This notion of NP complementation, as detailed by Haegeman & Guéron (1998, pp.440-441), suggests that just as verbs can take a diverse array of complements ranging from finite to non-finite clauses, nouns too can select finite clauses to complement their meanings. Consider/compare following examples:

  • He considers that she deserves a promotion. (verb-complement)
  • The consideration that she deserves a promotion weighs heavily on his mind. (NP-complement)
  • She believes that honesty is the best policy. (verb-complement)
  • Her belief that honesty is the best policy guides her actions. (NP-complement)

NP modifier vs. NP complement

The relationsip between NP modifers and NP complements are often ambiguous (p.644).

NP modifiers serve to describe and modify a noun by supplying additional details about the noun's characteristics. These modifiers append descriptive information but are not necessary for the grammatical integrity of the noun phrase. In contrast, NP complements are clauses or phrases that furnish complete information, which is crucial to understanding the noun's full meaning. NP complements are closely linked to the noun and are indispensable for the completeness of the noun phrase. For example, in the sentence His assumption that the work was easy turned out to be wrong, the NP complement clause that the work was easy is essential. Without this complement, the nature of the assumption would remain unclear.