1. After the storm, the calm of the sea was a welcome sight.
* Complement Subject: *the calm of the sea*
* Verb: *was*
* Subject: *a welcome sight*
* Explanation: The noun phrase "the calm of the sea" renames or describes the subject "a welcome sight." It's a subject complement because it follows a linking verb ("was").
2. His greatest ambition has always been to become a doctor.
* Complement Subject: *his greatest ambition*
* Verb: *has been*
* Subject: *to become a doctor*
* Explanation: The noun phrase "his greatest ambition" renames the subject "to become a doctor."
3. The problem is that we are short of time.
* Complement Subject: *the problem*
* Verb: *is*
* Subject: *that we are short of time*
* Explanation: The noun phrase "the problem" renames the subject "that we are short of time."
4. The winner of the contest was a young woman from California.**
* Complement Subject: *a young woman from California*
* Verb: *was*
* Subject: *The winner*
* Explanation: The noun phrase "a young woman from California" renames the subject "the winner."
5. Her main concern was whether they would arrive on time.**
* Complement Subject: *whether they would arrive on time*
* Verb: *was*
* Subject: *her main concern*
* Explanation: This example shows a clause (whether they would arrive on time) functioning as a noun phrase, and hence, as a subject complement.
Key Points
* A complement subject always follows a linking verb (verbs like *be, seem, become, appear*).
* It renames or describes the subject.
* It can be a single noun, a noun phrase, or even a clause.