Use a Subject Pronoun for a Subject Complement

Subject complements are not objects of the verb — they are not being acted upon. They name something that is being equated with the subject in some way. So a pronoun that is used as a subject complement should be a subject pronoun. Subject complements usually follow a form of be.

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When subject complements are used correctly, they often sound strange. If the sentences above were spoken in an everyday conversation, no doubt the speakers would use (ungrammatically) object pronouns. But in writing, you have time to consider what you’ve written, so you don’t have to choose between sounding stilted and being ungrammatical. Find a revision that sounds natural to you and that demonstrates your knowledge of grammar.

image He is the most popular player in the band.

image Is she knocking on the door?