Sentence Patterns
Sentence Components Sentences contain a verb, its subject and is a complete thought. Depending on the type of verb in the sentence, it might also include a direct object, indirect object, predicate noun, or predicate adjective.
Example of a Sentence VERB He ran to the store. SUBJECT This is just a prepositional phrase. We are not worried about those. In fact, we should get rid of them.
Subjects Subjects tell who or what the sentence is about. Subjects are either nouns or pronouns. (ex. Tom, she) Subjects can be single words or groups of words. (ex. Frank, the Detroit Lions) Subjects can have adjectives. (ex. the red Ferrari) Subjects can be compound. (ex. Tom and Frank) Most of the time the subject will come before the verb. (see notes) Subjects can be the understood “you”. Subjects will never be found in prepositional phrases.
Verbs Verbs are a word or words that make a statement about the subject; show action, state of being or link something to the subject. Verbs can be single words or groups of words. (ex. ran, have been running) Verbs can be compound. (ex. ran and jumped) Verbs can be action or linking. (ex. ran. was) Verbs usually follow the subject in the sentence. Verbs can be separated by other words. (ex. will not run) Verbs will never be found in prepositional phrases.
Direct Objects (DO) You can only have a direct object if your sentence contains an action verb. A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. Can you find the verb, subject, and DO... Mark kissed his girlfriend in the hallway.
ACTION VERB SUBJECT DO
Indirect Object (IO) An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that appears with a direct object and names the person or thing that something is given to or done for. Can you find the verb, subject, DO, & IO... Trisha gave her boyfriend a hug.
Trisha gave her boyfriend a hug. SUBJECT ACTION VERBDO IO
Predicate Noun (PN) You can only have a predicate noun with a linking verbs. It is a noun or pronoun that renames the subject. Where is the predicate noun? Mr. Koziak is the football coach.
SUBJECT PN LINKING VERB
Predicate Adjective (PA) You can only have a predicate adjective with a linking verb. A predicate adjective describes the subject. Where is the predicate adjective? Mrs. Helmer is nice.
Mrs. Helmer is nice. SUBJECT LINKING VERB PA
Sentence Patterns Pattern #1 = S + V Pattern #2 = S + LV + PA Pattern #3 = S + LV + PN Pattern #4 = S + AV + DO Pattern #5 = S + AV + IO + DO
Pattern #1 = S + V Lately, I have been running to school. VERB SUBJECT
Pattern #2 = S + LV +PA Mr. Gawkowski is funny. SUBJECT PA LINKING VERB
Pattern #3 = S + LV + PN Mr. Kent is the yearbook advisor. SUBJECT PN LINKING VERB
Pattern #4 = S + AV + DO I bought a new motorcycle. SUBJECT ACTION VERB DO
Pattern #5 = S + AV + IO + DO Sadie gave her sister a present. SUBJECT ACTION VERBIO DO