Using the word complex in a sentence

›Grammar and rules› Writing sentences ›Complex object: composition, combinations, examples of use and important nuances

Can the subject in a sentence play a minor semantic role? It may very well, if we are not interested in the one who speaks, but in what is being discussed. In fact, we use this type of sentences quite often, without even thinking about which member of the sentence carries the main meaning of the statement.

Take, for example, «I hope they come soon.» What actions are more important to us, I hope or will they come? We think, without a doubt, the second option is preferable. Such subordinate constructions that hide the main idea in the appendix are called complex object in English.

What kind of beast it is and how it is used in speech, we will tell you in today’s material.

Structure composition

If you need to create a phrase in which the add-on is active, that is, it performs or is expected to perform any action, you should use sentences with a complex object in conversation.

This phrase, in essence, is translated into Russian by the words «complex / compound / complex addition».

Returning to the example phrase given at the beginning of the article, it is “they will arrive soon” and will be in this case an active addition, since these persons perform specific actions.

So, we managed to figure out what a complex object is, now we find out what it hides in its composition. First, we need the actual object itself. It can be expressed by a noun or a personal pronoun, which in this case will stand in the object case, because it plays the role of an object.

Then we must express his intended actions, and for this we use the verb in the initial form, while the form of the infinitive can be with or without the to particle. This completes the construction of the turnover. Accordingly, we have the subject and predicate in front of it, and after it the rest of the sentence.

Let’s represent this rule in the form of a diagram.

1. Subject + 2. Predicted + 3. Complex object (object + its action) Noun / pronoun in object item and ch. in the infinitive + 4. Ost. members of the proposal

Let us analyze a similar complex sentence according to the scheme:

• We (1) want (2) you to read (3) this article (4).

It is worth noting that sentences with a complex object are designed in English to express the desire or permission of the main actor (subject) to perform any actions by another person: We want you to read this article.

Grammar notes: This combination has a second official name. TheAccusativeWith (sometimes and) theinfinitivehowever, it is used quite rarely. Another important point: in no case should you confuse complex object with a consonant expression complex subject! In the first case, we are talking about complex objects, and in the second, about a compound subject. Be extremely careful.

Complex object in verb combinations

According to syntactic norms, a complex object is placed first in English after the grammatical base. But there is one important feature here: not all verbs that play the role of the main predicate in the sentence are taken into the complex object.

By the way, in this complex object and complex subject are very similar, but, again, we urge you not to confuse these syntactic constructions! So, this table will help us to parse the cases of using the complex object.

In it, we will give verb complexes and examples of using a compound active object in specific situations.

Forums	Group	Words	Example	Transfer
Predicates, after which the infinitive is used. with particle to	Group of expressions of attitude, wishes.	want, desire, would, wish, hate, (want; wish; I would like; wish; hate; like)	I want her to stay with me. Do you wish me to join you? I hate my tea to becold! We would Alex to visit us.	I want to she stayed with me you want i joined to you? I hate when my cold tea (cools down).We would like to Alex visited us.
Expressions of statements, beliefs, knowledge.	Know, get, report, state, think (know; persuade; report; assert; think)	Teachers will get you to do it.Mary knows John to be a cool guy. I think him to go to the library.	Teachers will convince make you this. Mary knows that John is cool guy i think that he’s coming to the library.
Constructions of assumptions, beliefs, expectations.	expect, consider, Believe,

Source: https://speakenglishwell.ru/complex-object-sostav-sochetaniya-primery-upotrebleniya-i-vazhnye-nyuansy/

Complex Object or complex object in English

Complex object is interesting because there is no similar grammar in Russian, so we translate such phrases using subordinate clauses. Therefore, complex object can be translated as a complex addition, which consists of conjunctions «what», «how», «to» and a subordinate clause.

For example:

• I want you to clean your room. — I want, that you cleaned the room.
• I saw you dance yesterday. — I have seen, as you danced yesterday.

1. After verbs expressing physical perception or feelings: see, watch, hear, feel, notice, etc.

The infinitive without the to particle can be used after these verbs.

• They have never seen us dance (infinitive). “They never saw us dance.
• I felt him sneak up (infinitive) on me that moment. — I felt that he crept up on me at that moment.
• He saw them come back (infinitive) to the park. “He saw them return to the park.
  • Also, after the verbs of sensory perception, the present participle (Participle I) can be used. In this case, we emphasize the duration of the action taking place, while the infinitive without the particle to indicates the short-term action or completeness.
  • Mike saw us cross the road. “Mike saw us cross the road.
  • Mike saw us walking along the road. — Mike saw that we were walking along the road.

2. After verbs expressing urge or compulsion let, cause, make, have

After these verbs, the infinitive without the to particle is used.

• She made me do this again. “She made me do it again.
• Just let me go! — Just let me go!
• It caused us leave that hotel and never come back. — This was the reason that we left and never returned to that hotel.

3. After the verbs expressing desire, need, need want, wish, desire,, would

The infinitive with the to particle is used after these verbs.

• I would you to come to my place this evening. — I would like you to come to me in the evening.
• She wished him to do it one day. She wanted him to do it one day.
• The teacher wanted her students to repeat the sentence twice. — The teacher wanted the students to repeat the sentence twice.

Source: https://eforward.ru/blog/complex-object-ili-slozhnoe-dopolnenie/

Complex Object — a complex addition in English: rule, example sentences

The concept of the infinitive is also present in the Russian language, where, however, infinitive constructions, of which there are three in English, have not found their application.

One of them is the Objective-with-the-Infinitive-construction or, as it is called more simply, Complex Object (complex addition). The complex addition in English is quite common in both spoken and written speech.

There is no particular difficulty in forming sentences with such a construction; however, it is still necessary to describe in more detail what a Complex Object is and how it is formed.

Complex complement structure

Complex object in English looks like this:

verb + object + infinitive

As a rule, sentences with a Complex Object include the translation «to» or «how», and the structure of the structure itself has the same function, which is contained in its name — a complex addition.

The object to which the action is directed is the complement. The infinitive can be a complete form with or without the to particle («bare» Infinitive). This sign depends on which verb comes before the object.

Note: if the place of the object is taken by a pronoun, then its form will be declined in the object case. Here are examples of what it looks like:

I want to him to write the whole next again — I want him to write the whole text again
She saw me leave the house and went to the forest — She saw me leave the house and went to the forest

Complex Object Verbs

Despite the fact that the construction is Complex Object, it is not always followed by the pure impersonal form of the verb. In some situations, the use of forms with the ending –ing (Participle I) is also acceptable. Complex Object with different categories of verbs can be used in different ways. This information, as well as the information related to the appearance or absence of the to particle before the infinitive, can be displayed in the following Complex Object table:

Features of use

The table shows that Complex Object is often used with sensory verbs, and the infinitive after them in the event that the action expressed by the impersonal form of the verb is complete:

Martha saw me come home — Martha saw me come home
Andrew heard Jim open the door — Andrew heard Jim open the door

In the event that the Complex Object shows a long-term action, then the addition rule excludes the infinitive and requires the use of the Participle I form:

Source: https://mcenglish.ru/grammar/complex-object

complex object

It is difficult to imagine Russian sentences without the conjunctions “what”, “to” and the adverbs “how”. But in the English language there are special grammatical constructions that allow you to avoid the use of these parts of speech, so that the sentence is more compact without losing meaning. Means complex object, it is also an object infinitive turnover or a complex addition.

This structure is a combination of two or more words that are a single member of the sentence. It includes the verb and nominal parts. In this case, the verb component can be expressed in a complex by an infinitive in the following forms:

• an infinitive with or without a particle to;
• the participle Participle I, which is formed by adding the particles -ing to the end of the verb.

In this case, the nominative component can be expressed in a sentence both by a noun and by a pronoun in the object case.

The following table gives you a better understanding of how structure is used. ComplexObject in english:

Subject matter	wantwishetc.	pronoun or noun (object case)	to do	something
seefeeletc.	do (doing)
flightmakeetc.	do

For example, He saw her reading the magazine. “He saw her reading the magazine.

The main verb in the sentence (2nd column in the table) will be used in the desired tense form, with all the necessary endings.

Application rules ComplexObjectin english

This design is used quite often. Used complex object after the following groups of verbs:

• expressing an assumption: for example, to find, to consider, to expect, to believe, to think, etc.

 I expected the teacher to come in few days. — I expected the teacher to come in a few days.

Anna considered the task to be too easy for Nina. — Anna thought that the task would be too easy for Nina.

• used to reflect desire or unwillingness: for example, the structure would, the verbs to hate, to, to want, to wish and other verbs to express (not) desire;

I would her to be a writer. — I would like her to be a writer.

I want Anna to cook for children. — I want Anna to cook for the children.

• denoting sensory, visual or auditory perception: for example, to watch, to hear, to feel, to see, etc. Note! In this case, in complex object the to particle is used only when the passive voice is used.

I saw him cleaning the house. — I saw how he cleaned the house.

I have never heard her play the guitar. — I’ve never heard her play the guitar. (Active Voice)

Source: https://lingua-airlines.ru/kb-article/complex-object/

Complex object: composition and variety of combinations, examples of use in colloquial speech, description of examples with translation

27.06.2019

It is difficult to imagine the creation of complex sentences in English without an objective case with an infinitive. What is it, you ask.

Many people know this concept under the names of a complex object or complex addition. However, there is nothing difficult in its study.

Today you will see for yourself that the complex object in English is one of the most understandable topics for learning. Here we go.

What is a complex object in English

As always, we would like to start with a definition. As stated above, the complex object in English is used to compose complex sentences. In fact, it performs the same function as the subordinate clause in Russian. For example, you can use it to compose the following sentences:

I want you to water the flowers.

The parents saw that he crossed the road.

Therefore, you and I see that sentences with a complex object express the desire, perception or urge of one object to another. Most often, the meaning of these sentences is that one person wants / waits / forces / hopes that another will take certain actions. So what is a complex object in English? Let’s give a generalized definition.

Complex object is a complex addition. It consists of a noun in the general case or a pronoun in the subjective case, as well as a verb in the infinitive form. Used after subject and predicate. It is found both in everyday and business speech.

So, having considered in detail what a complex object is, it’s time to learn more about their scope.

Complex object education rules in English

We have considered the very concept of a complex addition, now it’s time to talk about the main points of its application in practice. The complex object rule is about the features of the sentence construction. This scheme should be disassembled in detail so that you can subsequently complete the verification exercises at the end of the article on your own. So let’s get started.

The formation scheme of sentences with a complex addition is as follows:

1. The main character of the proposal is put in the first place. I, he, she, etc.
2. Next comes the verb. For example: expect — expect, think — think, know — know, hope — hope. Do not forget that if at the beginning of the sentence we have the pronouns he / she, then we add the ending -s to the verbs.
3. The verb is followed by the person whom they want to induce to do something. It is worth noting that here pronouns will have the form me, him, her, etc. This should be taken into account, because here they are not the main, but an additional person. Otherwise, this part is called an object.
4. Next, the action is prescribed, which is expected from a person with or without a particle to. It’s about the infinitive.
5. At the end comes the rest of the sentence, if any.

So, we have examined in detail the following scheme:

Subject + Verb + Object + Infinitive + remainder.

Now let’s take a look at the complex object example sentences:

Source: https://tutorblog.ru/drugoe/pravila-obrazovaniya-complex-object-v-anglijskom-yazyke-i-vazhnye-nyuansy.html

Complex Object — What kind of animal is it and what is it eaten with?

complex object or The Accusative with the Infinitive Is a tricky addition. Despite its daunting name, this design is actually quite simple. Consider the following suggestions:

I want you to buy some milk.
I saw him cross the road.
Parents want him to go to university.
She expects them to win.

In Russian, such phrases are constructed using a subordinate clause. In English, such sentences are formed using a special construction — Complex Object.

Why is it needed?

We use it when one person wants, expects, etc., that another person will do something.

Let’s take a look at this with an example.

The usual sentence: I want to read this book.

Complex Object: I want him to read this book.

As you can see, in the first sentence, I want to perform the action myself. In the second sentence, I want another person to take the action. This will be the Complex Object.

Complex Object construction rules

So, we managed to figure out what a complex object is, now we find out what it hides in its composition.

First, we need the actual object itself. It can be expressed by a noun or a personal pronoun, which in this case will stand in the object case, because it plays the role of an object.

Then we must express his intended actions, and for this we use the verb in the initial form, while the form of the infinitive can be with or without the to particle. This completes the construction of the turnover.

Accordingly, we have the subject and the predicate in front of it, and after it the rest of the sentence.

We represent this rule in the form schemes:

1. Subject + 2. Predicted + 3. Complex object (object + its action) Noun / object pronoun + 4. Ch. in the infinitive (with or without to) / Participle 1 (ing-form) + 5. Ost. members of the proposal

Examples and features of use

• They want me to study English. They want me to learn English.
• She expects him to buy a present. She expects him to buy a gift.

Source: http://englishearly.ru/complex-object/

Complex Object (complex addition) in English: rules of education, use and exercise

In the previous article, we figured out what a Complex Subject is. Today, let’s talk about the Complex Object construction close to it, which can be translated into Russian as «a complex addition in English».

Let us analyze in detail the rules for the formation of a Complex Object in all three forms in the table and after which verbs this construction is used.

What is Complex Object in English

A complex addition or in another way The Objective Infinitive Construction, in contrast to the Complex Subject, focuses not on the one who performs the action (the subject itself), but on who or what this action is performed on … But at the same time, just like the Complex Subject, it has the following structure:

General noun / object pronoun + present infinitive / participle.

• What is a generic noun? This is the noun that has no endings, and which we find in dictionaries. For example, a jar, an army, etc.
• What is a pronoun in the object case? This is a pronoun that answers the question «who?», «To whom?», «By whom?», «About whom?» Let’s look at the table, and then everything will immediately become clear.
• What is an infinitive? This is a verb in an impersonal form (answers the question «what to do?») With a to particle (rarely without it).
• What is the present participle? It is a verb that ends in -ing. It is used if it is necessary to specify the duration of the action.

Complex Object Formation Rules

Now let’s take a look at the sentence to understand how the complex addition rule works.

— Team of researchers observed the consequences of their experiment get beyond the control. — The research team noticed that the consequences of their experiment became impossible to control.

Let’s divide the sentence into two parts. The first part is a team of researchers observed. Second part — the consequences of their experiment get beyond the control.

The main verb in this sentence is ‘observed’ (noticed), respectively, the first part of the whole sentence is considered the principal clause, and the second part is the subordinate clause.

In the main clause, the predicate can stand in any grammatical tense, voice, etc., and in the subordinate clause, the predicate is always expressed by the infinitive.

Below are the tables of the formation of a complex addition in English.

Rules for using a complex supplement

Please note that Complex Object is not used with all verbs.

• Let’s take a look at the following example with a Complex Object:

— The students watched the surgeons to put the stitches in the wound. “The students watched as surgeons stitched the wound.

• And, for example, take this sentence:

— I went this ointment to give an instant relief. — I went that this ointment brings instant relief.

• Sounds more than strange! I just want to replace the verb so that the sentence makes sense:

— I found this ointment to give an instant relief. — I have found that this ointment brings instant relief.

Hence, a completely logical conclusion suggests itself: to construct a sentence with a complex addition, only certain categories of verbs are used.

So, after what verbs is Complex Object used?

We include verbs in this category that express the ability to perceive and assimilate the phenomena of the external world. These include: feel, hear, notice, observe, see, watch and others. After the verbs of perception, only a simple infinitive is used without the particle to in the active voice.

— She felt hand touch his shoulder. She felt a hand touch her shoulder.

• Participle II is used to denote passive meaning:

— I saw the boxes packed and loaded. — I saw how the boxes were packed and loaded.

• Participle I Indefinite active denotes a process or action in a process:

— They heard us singing in the attic. “They heard us singing in the attic.

After verbs notice and see object infinitive turnover is not used with a verb be; in such cases, a subordinate clause or another verb is used:

— I saw that she was pale. = I saw her grow/become/go/turn pale.

Mental perception verbs — mental activity

Source: https://englishmix.ru/grammatika/nelichnye-formy-glagolov/complex-object

How is Complex Object formed in English?

By Natalia January 21, 2019

The subject Сomplex Оbject is very important in learning English. In another way, the Сomplex Object can be called a «complex addition». It is equally often used both in everyday (oral) speech and in business (written), so it is simply necessary to understand it.

Unfortunately, the Complex Object causes a lot of difficulties, especially for people who have just begun to comprehend the basics of the English language. But do not despair, because despite the fact that this topic is far from simple, everyone can learn it.

Learning Сomplex Object will require knowledge of many other grammar rules and a large vocabulary. That is why you should not tackle this topic at the very beginning of your studies. First, learn tenses, modal verbs, conditional sentences, replenish your vocabulary and only then proceed to the Complex Object.

What is a Complex Object in English?

As mentioned above, a complex object is a complex addition (complex), which consists of two parts: an action object (object) and an infinitive. It is translated into Russian by subordinate clauses with various connecting unions. At the same time, often expressing desires, needs, expectations, preferences, and so on.

Examples in Russian:

• I want to, so that you wash all the dishes in the house.
• Mom knows that I didn’t do my homework.
• My brother would like for Susan to visit him.
• I need, for my teacher to give me a good grade.

Such light examples very well show the whole essence of the Complex Object.

Negative Sentences in Complex Object in English

Negation in a complex object is also very often used, but at the same time only the main part of a complex object is negated, when the subordinate clause remains unchanged.

scheme:

Subject + negation of main verb + object of action + infinitive + rest of the sentence.

examples:

• I do not (don`t) want these rude people to be invited to my house. “I don’t want to invite these rude people into my house.
• Louisa does not (doesn`t) love anyone to divorce her from reading fantastic novels. — Louise doesn’t like it when someone breaks her away from reading science fiction novels.
• My mother need not (needn’t) anyone to serve her. “My mom doesn’t need to be served.
• Katerina does not (doesn’t) want her friend to lie about her real origin. — Katerina doesn’t want her friends to lie to her about her true parentage.
• My elder sister does not (doesn`t) want me to invite my friends to our house. — My older sister does not want me to invite my friends to our house.
• Deimon does not (doesn`t) want his parents to wait for him too long tomorrow, so he will try to wake up earlier. “Damon doesn’t want his parents to wait too long for him tomorrow, so he’ll try to get up early.
• I need not (needn`t) teachers of our school to be late for lessons and speak unreliable information. “I don’t need teachers in our school to be late for lessons and say false information.
• Mary does not (doesn`t) want her best friend Tessa to go to the cinema with that terrible girl tomorrow. — Mary would not want her best friend Tessa to go to the cinema with that nasty girl tomorrow.
• I did not (didn`t) expect that strange man to solve all my problems. “I didn’t expect that strange man to solve my problems.
• Rachel does not (doesn`t) want her father, the king of England, to drink that bottle of water. It is poisoned. “Rachel doesn’t want her father, the King of England, to drink that bottle of water. She’s poisoned.

Interrogative sentences in Complex Object in English

Interrogative sentences in complex Object sentences are not used as actively as affirmations and negations, but you still need to know the grammatical structure of the question.

Diagram:

Auxiliary verb + subject (noun or pronoun) + object of desire (object) + infinitive + minor members of the sentence?

examples:

• Would Maria her parents give her a little puppy or little kitten for her birthday? — Maria would like her parents to give her a little puppy or kitten for her birthday?
• Would you all your wishes to be real? — Would you like all your desires to become reality?
• Does Peter need his best friend Ben to go to the same university as him? Does Peter need his best friend Ben to go to the same university with him?
• Does your little sister believe the fairy withes to be real? I believe. — Does your little sister believe that fairy-tale sorceresses really exist? I believe.
• Do you know your parents to decide to divorce a year ago but they changed their mind? — Do you know that your parents decided to divorce a year ago, but then changed their minds?
• Does Norton hate his friend not to invite him to their parties in country home? Does Norton hate it when his friends don’t invite him to their country cottage parties?
• Do my grandparents want my little brother Tomas and me to go to their house in summer vacation? — My grandparents want me and my younger brother Thomas to come to them on summer vacation?
• Do I expect my grades on an exam to be the highest in our group? Yes, of course… — Do I expect my exam scores to be the highest of the whole group? Of course.
• Does Kris want his friends and classmates to visit him in their local hospital? — Does Chris want his friends and classmates to visit him at the local hospital?
• Do Mary`s parents want their daughter to start to wear glasses because of her defective eyesight? — Do Mary’s parents want their daughter to start wearing glasses because of her poor eyesight?

Application rules

We have already covered all the main cases of use and use of the Complex Object. But as they say, there are a few exceptions for every rule. The same thing happens with the Complex Object.

There are several unique additions to the basic rule of the Complex Object, the knowledge of which can diversify your speech, making it more literate and expressive.

Perception verbs

Perception verbs (in other words, feeling verbs) are a category of verbs in which some transformations occur in the complex Object:

• They are absolutely always used without the to particle.
• After the action object (object), there can be either a verb in the continued form (for example, leaving, going, starting), or in the third form (lest, went, started). The difference in this case will be small — continued action means incompleteness, when the third form is set already with the completed action.
• The verbs hear and see in the complex Object can be used in an unusual sense. For example, hear might mean «to know» and see might mean «to understand.»

Perception verbs include:

Source: https://eng911.ru/rules/grammar/complex-object.html

Complex Object. Difficult addition in English

Complex Object is a rule that scares many, although in fact, this topic is not difficult if you figure it out. In this article you will find the rule for using Complex Object in English, examples of use with translation into Russian, as well as parsing the verbs, after which ComplexObject.

The site also has exercises on Complex Object.

Complex Object. General information

The construction, called in English the Complex Object (complex addition), consists of 2 parts:

• Noun or pronoun in object case
• Infinitive

For example:

Do you want the children to stay? — Do you want the children to stay? (noun + infinitive)

Do you want us to stay? — Do you want us to stay? (pronoun in object case + Infinitive).

LET’S REMEMBER:

Object pronouns: me, here , Him, you, them, us. (Learn more)

Complex Object is usually translated into Russian by a subordinate clause with unions what, to, how.

examples:

would you me to help you? — Do you want me to help you?

I want my daughter to learn English. — I want my daughter to study English.

I want Harry to leave… “I want Harry to leave.

Note that the infinitive can take any of its forms. For example, if we are talking about the past, then we need to use the perfect infinitive:

I know her to have graduated from the university three years ago. — I know that she graduated from university three years ago.

If you need to convey the passive voice, then the passive infinitive is used:

I suspect him to be helped by her. “I suspect she helped him.

Verbs followed by Complex Object

Complex Object (complex object) is used after certain groups of verbs:

• Desire verbs: would (would), want (want), wish (wish), desire (wish)

Do you want Robin to show me the city? «Do you want Robin to show me around the city?»

I would you to show me the city. “I would like you to show me the city.

• Conjecture verbs:

Source: http://grammar-tei.com/complex-object-slozhnoe-dopolnenie-v-anglijskom-yazyke/

Complex Object or complex object in English. Rule and exercises

For those who are just starting to get acquainted with the typically English Complex Object construction (complex addition), it will be useful to know that it has several degrees of complexity.

* * *

General theory

Complex object with want / would verbs Is a construction that is used «when one person wants another to do something,» that is, in sentences like:

1. Father wants to son I did sports. (complex addition, expressed noun — son)
2. I want to he helped me. (complex object, expressed by a pronoun — he)

Such proposals contain two objects:

1. whoever wants: father (1), me (2)
2. the one from whom they want: the son (1), he (2) — these words are additions

There are several variations in the use of this construction and let’s start with the simplest case its use with two common verbs «want» — want and «would like» — would

EXAMPLES of using the complex object construction with WANT / WOULD verbs:

• I want her to invite me. — I want her to invite me.
• We would them to join us. — We would like them to join us.

* * *

Consider two cases the use of this construction:

Case 1. Complex Object expressed by a noun

Now let’s change the phrase «I want to go there.» to «I want thatmy brother went there. «

As you can see, several words have been added in Russian, and the form of the verb has also changed. In English, everything is much easier!

COMPARE. I want to go there. — I want my brother to go there.

* * *

How to build sentences with a Complex Object construction in English?

Design complex object in English is built on the basis of conventional design with two actions.

Two-action construct sentences:

1 I want to be happy. I want to be happy.
2. We don’t want to lose… We don’t want to lose.
3. He wants to be strong. He wants to be strong.
4. She wants to play with the dog. She wants to play with the dog.
5. They want to live forever. They want to live forever.

* * *

As you can see from the diagram, we inserted complex addition — the noun «my brother» between two actions and got complex complement construction. So the word brother — can be replaced with a pronoun he, then we use the complement pronoun — Him (cm. Table of pronouns in English).

* * *

Complex Object with want / would verbs. Exercises

Now practice and convert the two-step construct into a complex addition.

Exercise 1. Insert additions expressed by nouns, between the two actions and translate the sentences that now contain the Complex Object construction.

1. I want to win. (my friend) 2. We don’t want to lose. (our team) 3. He wants to be strong. (his body) 4. She wants to play with the dog. (her brother)

5. I want to live forever. (my parents)

Source: http://englishinn.ru/complex-object-basics.html

Complex Object: a complex addition in English

Those who have been familiar with the English language for a long time have probably heard about the complex addition in the English language. But, if you are new to English, then it’s time to get acquainted with Complex Object. The Complex Object construct is a tricky addition, but despite its daunting name, it’s actually quite simple. Pay attention to the following suggestions:

• I want him to go to the store.
• I would like you to play with the baby.
• I saw that she crossed the road

In Russian, such sentences are built using a subordinate clause. In English, such phrases are formed using a special construction — this is the Complex Object — a complex addition.

What kind of construction is this — Complex Object?

So, friends, we have already found out that Complex Object is a complex addition. Now let’s see how this structure is formed and what it consists of.

A complex object can consist of a direct object and an infinitive with a to particle, or without a to particle, or the ing-ov form of the verb, which depends on the predicate verb. The education scheme is as follows:

Verb + object (noun or me, you, him, us) + infinitive (to or without to) / verb + ing

Now take a look at how our examples look in English:

• I want him to go to the shop. — I want him to go to the store
• I would you to play with the baby. — I would like you to play with the baby
• I saw her cross the street. — I saw that she crossed the road.

All these complex additions are translated into Russian as additional clauses that begin with conjunctions like, to, that.

Complex object cases with infinitive and to

Complex object with a particle infinitive to is used after the following verbs:

• To want — to want
• To expect — to expect, to expect
• Would — I would like
• To know — to know
• To order — to order
• To tell — tell, tell
• To — to like
• To ask — ask
• Would prefer — to prefer

Now, pay attention to example sentences with Complex object, infinitive и with to particle:

• My parents want me to get good marks at school. — My parents want me to get good grades in school.
• We know him to speak French and German — We know he speaks French and German well.
• Would you me to help you with History? — Would you like me to help you with the story?
• The teacher expected the pupils to hand in the tests at once. — The teacher expected the students to pass the tests immediately.
• I him to smile. — I like it when he smiles
• I would prefer you to return home by taxi, because it’s late — I would prefer you to return home by taxi, because it’s late.
• I know Mr. Green to be a good and hospitable person. “I know Mr. Green as a good and hospitable person.
• The chief orders me to finish up these documents on time. — The chief orders me to complete these documents on time.
• The king told his servants to prepare his room. — The king ordered his servants to prepare his room.
• We expect them to come to our party. — We expect them to come to our party.

Complex object cases with an infinitive without a particle to

Complex object construction with infinitive without a particle to is used after verbs

• make– force
• let– allow, allow

For example:

• Don’t make me drink coffee, I hate it! — Don’t make me drink milk, I hate it!
• In my childhood my parents made me study to play the piano and the guitar — As a child, my parents forced me to learn to play the piano.
• Let the children play in the park, the weather is warm and beautiful. — Let the kids play in the park, the weather is great.
• Don’t let the child go there alone, he may get lost. — Don’t let her go there alone, she may get lost.
• My parents make me study well at school. — My parents make me do well at school.

Special cases with verbs of perception

After the verbs of perception

• To see — to see
• To hear — to hear
• To feel — to feel
• To notice — to notice
• To watch — watch, watch

the infinitive is used without the particle to, or the verb + ending ‑ing

The difference between the use of the infinitive and the ing-th form of the verb is in the following nuance: if the object began and finished the action, that is, the action is completely completed, then the infinitive without the to particle is used here, if the object was in the process of action and the action was not completed, then it is used verb + ending ‑ing.

Let’s compare two sentences:

1. I saw him open the door — the action is complete: the door is open. In Russian, a perfect verb is used: discovered — what did you do? Therefore, this sentence will be translated into English using the infinitive without the particle to: I saw him open the door.
2. I saw how he opened the door — that is, I saw how the very process of opening the door took place: the door opened. Here the imperfective verb is used: opened — what did you do? Therefore, in English, the ing-ov form of the verb will be used here: I saw him opening the door.

Some more examples:

• We saw him crossing the river — We saw how he crosses the river.
• I felt somebody touch my arm. — I felt someone touched my hand.
• I didn’t notice her put the letter on the table. “I didn’t notice how she put the letter on the table.
• At the zoo we often watched pandas playing in their cage. — At the zoo, we often watched pandas play in their cage.
• I often hear him playing the guitar in his room. — I often hear him playing the guitar in his room.

In addition to everything we have listed, there is also a complex addition with the construction «to have something done»

The construction «to have something done» means that the action expressed by the predicate verb + past participle (V3) is not performed by the person himself, but by someone else at the request or order of the actor. Note:

• I want to have my hair cut — I want to have a haircut (that is, I will not cut myself, the hairdresser will do it at my request)
• Brother had his car repaired yesterday — Brother repaired the car (that is, a mechanic repaired it in his workshop)
• You should have this carpet cleaned — You need to clean the carpet.
• She had her children looked after in the morning when she went out — She had her children looked after in the morning when she left. 
• Where do you usually have your clothes made? — Where do they usually sew your clothes?

That’s all, friends, see you soon!

Source: https://englishfull.ru/grammatika/chto-takoe-complex-object.html

Complex object: are these additions so complex?

It is difficult to imagine the creation of complex sentences in English without an objective case with an infinitive. What is it, you ask. Many people know this concept under the names of a complex object or complex addition. However, there is nothing difficult in its study. Today you will see for yourself that the complex object in English is one of the most understandable topics for learning. Here we go. 

complex object

›Grammar

Complex object is a complex addition that focuses on the object being acted on.

Complex object definition

The complex object has the following structure: noun in the nominative case (or pronoun in the general case) + infinitive (participle in the present tense). A noun in the nominative case means a noun without endings. For example: a jam.

A pronoun in the general case is a pronoun that answers the question «who?» «What?» An infinitive verb is a verb that answers the question «What to do?»

The present participle is a verb with the ending ing, indicating the duration of the action.

Complex object education rules

To form a Complex object, we must follow the following principles. Firstly, in the first place in the sentence, we must put the main person — the one who acts: she, he, you and etc.

Next should be the action itself, which can be represented by such verbs as want, think, expect, and etc. Next comes the person from whom they want to take any action. And then the pronouns change I-me, she-her, he-him and etc.

This change occurs because here the pronoun is not the main person, but only the complement. From all of the above, the following scheme is obtained:

Active noun / pronoun + verb + person from whom action is wanted + to + action.

For example:

He wants to study French	He wants her to learn French
She thinks him to go to the cinema	She thinks he’ll go to the movies

 Complex object rules

The Complex object schema itself is used quite often. This is primarily due to the fact that it is easy to learn and does not require certain in-depth knowledge. There are several groups of verbs with which the Complex object is used:

1. Conjecture verbs

For example:

She expected to come tomorrow	He expected her to come tomorrow
I consider the test to be too easy for me	I thought the test would be too easy for me

1. Verbs that reflect desire or unwillingness for something. The most commonly used construction here is would, to hate, to want and etc.

For example:

They would her to be a teacher	They wanted her to be a teacher
I want jack to do a homework	I would like Jack to do his homework

1. Verbs that denote visual, sensory, or auditory perception

For example:

He saw him doing homework	He saw how he was doing his homework
I have never been heard him to play the piano	I’ve never heard him play the piano

1. Verbs that reflect permission or coercion of someone. It should only be noted that after the verbs let, make, the particle to is not placed.

Source: https://englishfun.ru/grammatika/complex-object

Complex Object (complex addition): when to use

The Complex Object construct is a complex addition, despite its daunting name, it is actually quite simple. Below we will consider the rules and examples.

What is Complex Object in English

complex object Is a complex object that consists of a noun in the general case or a pronoun in the subjective case and a verb in the infinitive form. And the subject and predicate precede it.

In Russian, there is no such construction, so a complex addition becomes a subordinate clause during translation.

A complex addition is needed to express a desire, motivation or perception of one object in relation to another. It sounds confusing, so let’s show it with an example:

• I want you to learn English — I want you to learn English.
• He makes me cry — He makes me cry.
• John saw her buy a new dress “John saw her buy a new dress.

Introduction

One of the biggest mistakes students make in IELTS writing is to try and show off and be overly ambitious with their grammar. This is because many students think that all of their sentences need to be ‘complex’ (they don’t!), and them not understanding what a ‘complex’ sentence is. Trying to write overly complicated sentences leads to grammar mistakes, and this will lead to lost marks in many different areas.

This post will look at:

• how many ‘complex’ sentences do you actually need in each paragraph?
• what a ‘complex’ sentence actually is?
• how to make complex sentences?
• examples to help us understand and transfer this knowledge to our writing.

What does the examiner expect?

If we look at the examiners’ marking scheme it states that to get a band 6 for grammar, we need to:

• use a mix of simple and complex sentences.

For band 7, it states:

• Use a variety of complex structures.

This obviously means that we should use complex sentences in our writing, but it does not mean that we should try to make all of our sentences complex. All band 9 answers I have seen use a mixture of simple and complex sentences. The key is to know when to use them, and we will look at this below. But first, we need to understand what a complex sentence actually is.

What is a complex sentence?

The main problem here seems to be the word ‘complex’. Complex, in this situation, does not mean complicated, long or impressive. This is a common misconception and leads to students writing very long and grammatically incorrect sentences that are very difficult to understand.

For example:

‘In the modern world, global warming is one of the most popular topics causing many environmental difficulties and tough challenges arising from its serious consequences.’

This is a very typical sentence from an essay that is trying to be overly complex. This student has tried to put four simple ideas into one paragraph, resulting in an awkward and incoherent sentence. They have lost control of the grammar, and this affects the meaning. When meaning is affected, it stops the reading understanding of what is being said, and that isn’t good for your IELTS writing band scores.

‘Complex’ sentences are not very complex; they are just two or more simple sentences. Putting them together makes the essay more coherent and cohesive.

Let’s look at the first example again. In the sentence above, there are four simple ideas that we can put into simple sentences:

1. Global warming is a common topic these days.
2. Global warming causes environmental problems.
3. There are tough challenges associated with global warming.
4. Global warming has very serious consequences.

If we write all of our sentences in the IELTS exam like this, we lose marks because they are too simple. What we need to do is put them together to make complex sentences.

Complex Sentence Examples

For example:

One of the most common environmental issues is global warming which causes many serious environmental problems. Tough challenges are associated with this issue, and its effects have very serious consequences.

I don’t think there is anything ‘complex’ about these sentences, just simple ideas put together.

‘Complex’ is just a label, not a description.

I have taken each of the four simple sentences and put them together in two complex sentences. This result is a grammatically correct, easy-to-understand paragraph.

When should I use complex sentences?

Generally, we should use simple sentences when making main points, normally at the beginning of a paragraph. We should then use complex sentences when expanding on the main point, for instance, when giving a supporting example or explaining our main point.

Example:

This is a question about whether ‘fast food’ or ‘junk food’ should be taxed at a higher rate than normal food.

‘Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, which would lead to people being unable to afford junk food. For instance, the cost of organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people. Despite this, people in many developed countries, where the problem is most acute, can afford price hikes and will continue to eat high-fat meals.’

The first sentence is the ‘topic sentence’ and makes the main point. It is, therefore, acceptable for this to be a simple sentence.

The second sentence explains the main point and uses the word ‘and’ to link two simple sentences together to make one complex sentence.

The third sentence gives an example and uses the linking phrase ‘for instance’. The final sentence makes a concession (shows the limitation of the argument) and is also a complex sentence, linking more than one idea together.

This paragraph has a mix of simple and complex sentences and therefore satisfies the marking criteria.

How do I make a complex sentence?

Remember that a complex sentence is more than one simple sentence to make one sentence. We, therefore, need to learn and become confident using the various grammatical structures that allow us to do that. Below are a few ways we can link ideas together in a sentence.

To make a complex sentence, we normally should have two things- a dependent clause and an independent clause. A clause is a group of words with both a subject and a verb.

An example of a dependent clause is ‘….because the weather was cold.’ This is a dependent clause because it has a subject and a verb but doesn’t make any sense. To make sense, we need to add an independent clause.

As the name suggests, an independent clause can make sense independently. For example, ‘I wore a warm coat.’ If we combine these two clauses, we get a complex sentence- ‘I wore a warm coat because the weather was cold.’

As you can see, ‘complex’ sentences don’t have to be complicated. Let’s now look at other ways we can make complex sentences.

1. Relative Clauses

You can use relative clauses to give essential or extra information about a person, place, or thing. This makes our writing more fluent and more coherent. We do this by using relative pronouns like who, which and that. For example, ‘He’s the kind of person who is always friendly.’

For example:

Air pollution can cause health problems. Air pollution is largely caused by motor vehicles.

We can convert these two simple sentences into one complex sentence by using the word ‘which’.

Air pollution, which is mostly caused by motor vehicles, can cause health problems.

For example:

There is evidence that some people are more likely to smoke. These people have parents and friends who smoke.

We can link both of these sentences together by using the word ‘who’.

Evidence shows that people with parents and friends who smoke are more likely to smoke.

2. Subordinate Clauses

A subordinate clause can describe nouns and pronouns; describe verbs, adverbs, and adjectives; or act as the subject or object of another clause. They connect an independent clause with a dependent clause with words like as, because, while, until, even though, although, when and if.

3. Conditional Clauses

Also known as ‘If clauses’, they are used to express that the action in the main clause can only take place if a certain condition is met.

For example:

If I had a million dollars, I would quit my job.

I will be really happy if I pass the IELTS test.

These clauses are good for giving examples in IELTS writing part 2.

For example:

‘Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, which would lead to people being unable to afford junk food. If the cost of organic food proves prohibitively expensive for most people, they will not buy it. Despite this, people in many developed countries, where the problem is most acute, can afford price hikes and will continue to eat high-fat meals.’

They are also useful for discussing unreal situations or speculating about results in the past or present.

There are four different kinds of conditionals which I will outline below:

Zero Conditionals are used to talk about true information or facts. We can use if or when to introduce the conditional.

Example: Nowadays, when we travel long distances, we usually use air travel.

First conditionals are used to talk about things in the present or future.

Example: If the city’s population grows, we will need to build more infrastructure.

Second Conditionals are used to talk about impossible things.

Example: If the sun didn’t come up tomorrow, we wouldn’t have any life on earth.

Third Conditionals are used to speculate about past events. It is often used when we regret something or to imagine a past unreal situation.

Example: The Second World War would have never happened if Germany had been given a fairer peace settlement in World War One.

4. Compound Sentences

Compound sentences consist of two independent clauses linked together with a conjunction such as ‘and’, ‘for’ or ‘but’.

Examples:

I really want to study, but I’m too tired.
She got to the test centre early and did well on her IELTS test.

Some students think these sentences are too simple to count as complex, but they are wrong.

Warning

The crucial thing is to understand and be able to use these grammar structures before your IELTS test. Some students memorise many structures and try to insert them into their essays without considering how they work or if they are accurate. This will only lead to unnatural and incoherent sentences. Remember that your sentences must also be error-free, so only use structures you are confident using.

The key is to only use them appropriately. Concentrate on answering the question; if you know how to use these structures, they will flow naturally.

Next Steps

I hope this post has demonstrated that you can write your ideas down clearly and simply and still satisfy the marking criteria for complex sentences.

When you are practising IELTS writing questions, think of what you want to say in simple sentences and then think of how these might be linked into complex sentences. After enough practice, it will become a natural thing to do, and your writing will really improve.

Check out my IELTS Grammar video series below for more help with complex sentences:

The articles below contain some of our most comprehensive guides to Writing Task 2:

• Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

This article is unique to anything we’ve published before. Read it now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

• How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. If you don’t plan, you are more likely to get lost halfway through your essay, and the result is normally a very confusing piece of writing that is difficult to read. This guide will show you how to write a clear essay every time.

• How to Think of Relevant Ideas

Thinking of good ideas is one of the most challenging parts of the test for some people. This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

• How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills, not just in Writing Task 2 but in all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in every essay, and I recommend doing this in the very first sentence to help boost your vocabulary score.

• How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

Do you need me to correct your essays and give detailed feedback and steps for improvement? Check out our essay correction service or join the Waiting List for my VIP Course.