Though many of you may think grammar is challenging, I'm here to tell you that it really isn't. There's a formula to it just like the ones you've studied in math class. I love to teach it because it's not the typical subjective English task where all the answers are shades of gray. So, I'll try to break down the sentence patterns in this packet. Let's start off with this basic fact:
Proper, formal English has EIGHT (8) sentence patterns. That's it!! Just 8! You can make these sentences longer by adding commas, conjunctions, and semi-colons. That is grammar in a nutshell!
Here is a list of the terms I use to identify the various parts of each sentence pattern:
NP | noun phrase | A noun and its modifiers (hence "noun phrase"): can function as a subject, direct object, indirect object, subject complement, or object complement | |
S | subject | ||
SC | subject complement | a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the subject of a sentence | |
DO | direct object | ||
IO | indirect object | ||
OC | object complement | a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames or describes the object of a sentence | |
V | verb of being OR linking verb | Examples:
|
|
V(int) | intransitive verb | ||
V(tr) | transitive verb | ||
ADV | adverb
OR
adverbial of time or place |
part of a sentence that performs the same function as a normal adverb by describe the | |
ADJ | adjective | ||
THE EIGHT SENTENCE PATTERNS
1. S + V + ADV
The verb (TO BE) is followed by an adverb indicating where or when.
My friends are here.
NP V ADV
subject
The adverbial indicating where or when may be a prepositional phrase.
My friends are at the library.
NP V ADV
2. S + V + ADJ
The verb (TO BE or LINKING) is followed by an adjective that functions as the subjective complement.
His clear tenor voice was quite lovely.
NP V ADJ
subject to be subject
verb complement
The cake on the table looks delicious.
NP V ADJ
subject linking subject
verb complement
The adjectival functioning as the subjective complement may be a prepositional phrase.
The supervisor was in a good mood today.
NP V ADJ
subject subject
complement
3. S + V + SC
The verb (TO BE or LINKING) is followed by a noun that functions as the subjective complement.
Mr. James has been a teacher for forty years.
NP V NP
subject to be subject
verb complement
At a very early age, Joan became a Buddhist.
NP V NP
subject linking subject
verb complement
4. S + V(int)
The action verb takes no direct object.
In a few weeks, my cousin will arrive.
NP V
subject verb
intransitive
Even if the action verb is followed by a prepositional phrase, the verb is still intransitive as long as it does not take a direct object.
In a few weeks, my cousin will arrive with my uncle.
NP V
subject verb
intransitive
5. S + V(tr) + DO
The action verb is followed by a direct object.
The archer shot an arrow into the target.
NP V NP
subject verb direct object
transitive
6. S + V(tr) + IO + DO
The action verb is followed by an indirect object and then a direct object.
Smithers gave the employees a raise.
NP V NP NP
subject verb indirect object direct object
transitive
7. S + V(tr) + DO + ADJ
The action verb is followed by a direct object. The direct object is followed by an adjective functioning as an objective complement.
The jury found the defendant guilty.
NP V NP ADJ
subject verb direct object objective
transitive complement
8. S +V(tr) + DO + (OC)
The action verb is followed by a direct object. The direct object is followed by a noun functioning as an objective complement.
Most people consider Jacobsen a loyal friend
NP V NP2 NP2
subject verb direct object objective
transitive complement
Note: The second NP, the direct object, receives a different numerical designation (NP2) because it is not
the same as the subject (NP1). The third NP, the objective complement, receives the same
numerical designation as the direct object (NP2) because it is the same as the direct object (Jacobsen
= friend).
