Here's the breakdown:
* Direct objects are the nouns or pronouns that receive the action of a transitive verb. They answer the question "What?" or "Whom?" after the verb.
* Example: She threw the ball. (What did she throw? The ball.)
* Complements are words or phrases that complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another noun. They can be direct objects, but they can also be other things.
Let's break down the different types of complements:
* Direct Objects: These are one type of complement that directly receive the action of the verb.
* Indirect Objects: These tell us to whom or for whom the action is done.
* Example: She gave him the ball. (To whom did she give the ball? Him.)
* Subject Complements: These rename or describe the subject of a sentence.
* Example: She is a doctor. (What is she? A doctor.)
* Object Complements: These rename or describe the direct object.
* Example: They elected him president. (What did they elect him? President.)
So, to answer your question directly: Yes, direct objects are a kind of complement, but not all complements are direct objects.
Think of it like this: all direct objects are complements, but not all complements are direct objects.