Sentence Patterns
In English, sentences follow patterns depending on the kind of verb you use. Of course,
you can add extra descriptive words like adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases,
but the main pattern is still the same.
1. Intransitive Action Verb:
S
A good student
Accidents
Sisters and brothers
Subject + Verb
V
studies.
happen.
fight.
2. Transitive Action Verb: Subject+Verb+Direct Object* (no prep. before the object)
Subject+Verb+Indirect Object**+Direct Object
S
Jane
I
Juan
V
threw
read
does and checks
DO
the ball.
many books.
his homework.
S
Jane
We
My mother
V
threw
told
gave
IO
Mike
the children
me
3. Linking Verb: Subject+Verb+Complement
S
V
C
My brother
is
a doctor.
The girl
looks
sleepy.
Our meeting
was
at noon.
The keys
are
there.
DO
the ball.
a story.
a birthday gift.
(noun complement)
(adjective complement)
(prep. phrase complement)
(adverb complement)
*Direct Object – a transitive verb must have a direct object, the person or thing that
the action is performed on. Ex. John threw the ball. Ball is the direct object because
it is being thrown.
**Indirect object – a transitive verb can also have an indirect object, but it is not
necessary. The indirect object is the person or thing that receives something. Ex.
John threw Mike the ball. Mike is the indirect object because he receives the ball.
Look at the sentences below and identify the subjects, verbs, objects and complements
by writing S, V, DO, IO and C over each sentence part.
1. Dogs usually chase cats.
2. I go to the library every day.
3. The hardworking student received a high grade on her paper.
4. My boss wrote me a check last week.
5. Fen and Ling are best friends.
6. My favorite aunt is visiting this month.
7. Sara seems happy.
8. The math teacher told his students a funny joke.
9. The police office gave us a ticket.
10. My sister is at the mall with her friends.