Download Eng 430 Base Patterns of Clauses A base pattern includes the

Eng 430
Base Patterns of Clauses
A base pattern includes the minimum elements needed for the pattern to be complete. Modifying
elements many be added, but they don’t have to be. There are six major clause patterns in English; the
main verb of the clause determines which pattern is followed. Verbs may be divided into two groups:
action verbs and linking verbs. Additionally, action verbs may be transitive or intransitive. Therefore,
these will be described separately. Clauses may be finite or non-finite.
The Predication of Sentences with Action Verbs
Transitive Verb Patterns
SVO
SVOO
Subject
Verb
Joe
threw the ball.
Subject
Verb
Joe
threw Tom
Subject
SVOCo
Indirect Object
Verb
Direct Object
the ball.
Direct Object
The class elected Tom
Subject
SVOA
Direct Object
Verb
Direct Object
Object Complement
President.
Adverbial
They placed a man at the station.
Intransitive Action Verb Patterns
Subject
SV
SVA
Verb
The dog died
Subject
Verb
Adverbial
She
ran
quickly.
The Predication of Sentences with Linking Verbs
Linking Verb Patterns
Subject
SVCs
SVCs
SVA
She
Verb
is
Subject Complement
tall.
Subject
Verb
Subject Complement
She
is
a nurse
Subject
Verb
She
is in school.
Adverbial
(‘be’ is a linking verb)