Download Sentence Patterns

Sentence Patterns
Subjects, Verbs, Objects and
Predicate Words

We have discussed the essential parts of a
sentence, a subject and a verb.

We also know that a sentence must start
with a capital letter, must end with some
type of punctuation (period, question mark,
or exclamation point), and must make a
complete thought.
Ex. The Auburn Tigers barely squeaked by
the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Every sentence falls into one
of five basic patterns.
S=subject
V=Verb
AV=Action Verb
LV=Linking Verb
DO=Direct Object
IO=Indirect Object
PN=Predicate Noun
PA=Predicate Adj.
1. S → V
2. S →AV →DO
3. S →AV →IO →DO
4. S →LV →PN
5. S →LV →PA
S →V
Ex. Tigers prowl.
Often, modifiers are added to give
more detail.
Ex. Hungry tigers often prowl at
night for their prey.
S →AV →DO
*Remember, Action Verbs express an action,
something that can be performed.
A Direct Object receives the action of the verb. Ask
yourself “what or whom?” after the verb.
Ex. Teachers praise students.
With modifiers:
Many teachers gladly praise hardworking
students during class.
S →AV →IO →DO
An Indirect Object tells “to whom or what” the action is
directed. The IO always comes between the AV and DO.
*There cannot be an Indirect Object in a sentence unless
there is a Direct Object.
Ex. Beyonce gives fans a smile.
With Modifiers:
On the Red Carpet, Beyonce very
graciously gives her excited fans a
flashy smile.
Which sentence pattern does
each of these sentences follow?
1.
On her way out the door, Selina quickly
grabbed her keys on the counter.
2.
Our teacher Ms. Benson gave us
a Gotcha Ticket for helping a new
student.
S→LV →PN
A linking verb connects a word in the
predicate part of the sentence to the
subject. Common linking verbs are am, is,
are, was, and were.
A predicate noun is a noun in the predicate
part of the sentence that renames the
subject.
Ex.
The students on the list are members of the
band.
S →LV →PA
A predicate adjective is an
adjective in the predicate part of
the sentence that describes the
subject.
Ex.
The students in the bathroom
are late for class.
Action Verb or Linking Verb?
There are some verbs that may be used as
action or linking verbs depending on how
they are used, such as appear, remain,
sound, and look. If the verb can be
replaced by is, it is a linking verb.
Ex.
Linking
Lindsey looked very excited at the pep rally
last week.
Action
Lindsey looked for her book in her locker.