Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Adjectives may require complementation to fulfil their meaning. As a subject complement, the adjective may need the use of a finite sentence, typically a "that" clause. Such a finite clause can contain an indicative verb, a putative should, or a subjunctive verb. The purpose of this study is to look into Iraqi EFL university students' ability to use the finite clause as an adjective compliment. It is hypothesised that 1) Iraqi EFL university students will struggle to recognise and produce the finite clause as a subject compliment, and 2) such learners will mostly use the indicative verb in the finite clause. A diagnostic test was administered to a group of 100 Iraqi university students in their fourth year from the Department of English, College of Education, University of Baghdad. The exam results are reviewed throughout this study after we have covered the finite phrase as an adjective complement, the many sorts of verbs employed in such clauses, and when to utilise each of the previously described verbs.