The predicate complement (subject verb complement or subject object verb complement) is a typical syntactic function, usually filled with an adjective or a noun. It appears with a linking verb be (copula) or any other stative verb that must be used with a complement expressing a similar function of renaming or describing a subject or a direct object. In Jože Toporišič's grammar (1976, 2000) there are two similar functions that seem to be explained by the same expressive means: the essential predicate complement (subject object complement) or povedkovo določilo and, following Breznik's definition (Breznik 1934), the nonessential predicate complement (subject object complement) or povedkov prilastek. This article clarifies the limits between the two functions and adds some elements for their more accurate semantico-logical presentation.
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