In the first sentence, the cognate object (daggers) modifies the predicate verb (looked) as the adverb angrily would do. It is therefore an adverbial modifier. In the second and third sentences the modifier of the predicate verb (sang, laughed) is an adverbial phrase consisting of a cognate object (song, laugh) with its adjective modifiers (a merry, a scornful).
CHAPTER IV
COMPLEMENTS
482. 1. Some verbs have a meaning that is complete in itself. Such a verb needs only a subject. When this has been supplied, we have a sentence, for the mere verb, without any additional word or words, is capable of being a predicate.
- Birds fly.
- Fishes swim.
- The sun shines.
- The moon rose.
- The man scowled.
- The girl laughed.
- The owls hooted.
- The clock ticked.
Verbs of this kind are sometimes called complete verbs, or verbs of complete predication.
2. Other verbs are not, by themselves, capable of serving as predicates. Thus,—
- The Indians killed ——.
- Mr. Harris makes ——.
- Tom is ——.
- The man seemed ——.
These are not sentences, for the predicate of each is unfinished. The verb requires the addition of a substantive or an adjective to complete its sense.
- The Indians killed deer.
- Mr. Harris makes shoes.
- Tom is captain.
- The man seemed sorry.