Basic
Sentence
Patterns
S-LV-
C pattern is composed of
This
Subject +
Linking Verb +
Subject
Complement
Linking verbs are verbs that do not
express action. Instead, they connect
the subject of the verb to additional
information about the subject. Sense
verbs may also be linking verbs.
A subject complement is a noun or
adjective that follows a linking verb.
I am busy.
Subject Linking Subject
Verb Complement
They look sick.
Subject Linking Subject
Complement
Verb
Joe became a doctor.
Subject Linking Subject
Verb Complement
S-TV-
DO
This pattern is composed of
Subject +
Transitive Verb +
Direct Object
A transitive verb is an action verb
that requires an object for its
meaning to be complete.
A direct object is a noun that
receives the action of the transitive
verb. It answers the question
“What?” or “Who?”.
Sheila drives a
car.
Subject TV DO
Leo loves Smit.
Subject TV DO
S-IV/S-IV-ADV.
This pattern is composed of
Subject + Intransitive Verb
or
Subject + Intransitive Verb +
Adverb
The boy danced.
Subject IV
An intransitive verb is an action
verb that does not require an
object for its meaning to be
complete.
The boy danced
gracefully.
S-TV-IO-DO
This pattern is composed of
Subject +
Transitive Verb +
Indirect Object
+ Direct Object
An indirect object precedes the
direct object and tells to
whom or for whom the action
of the verb is done.
Tom gave her a gift.
S TV IO DO
Agnes baked Tony some cookies.
S TV IO DO
S-TV-DO-OC
This pattern is composed of
Subject +
Transitive Verb +
Direct Object +
Object Complement
An object complement is a noun
or adjective that describes or
tells something about the direct
object.
Michael calls his mother Nanay.
S TV DO OC
Senators declared the bill unconstitutional.
S TV DO OC