Sentence Part Patterns

Sentence parts (subject, verbs, objects, etc.) come arranged in different ways. Here are four
sentence patterns that journalists rely on.
1. S/V The simplest sentence pattern is subject + verb.
o News spreads.
o The accident victim sobbed.
(In this case, the verb is intransitive: it does not take an object).
2. S/V/SC If the sentence has a linking verb (the verb be in some form, such as
is, were, am, had been or one of the following verbs appear, become,
feel, grow, look, make, seem, smell, and sound) and a subject complement (a
word or words that give more information about the subject), the pattern is
subject + verb + subject complement.
o The driver appeared intoxicated.
o They are professionals.
3. S/V/O If the sentence has a transitive verb (carries action from a subject to an
object) and a direct object (receives the action of the verb), the sentence
pattern is subject + verb + direct object.
o Professor Figuera threw the textbook.
o Domestic violence often can lead to murder.
Note: S/V/O is a major tool for the
journalist. This pattern produces clear,
direct writing.
4.
5. S / V / IO / DO If the sentence has a verb followed by an indirect object
(names the receiver of the direct object) and a direct object (receives the action
of the verb, the pattern is subject + verb + indirect object + direct object.
o The editor-in-chief gave the assignment to the newest reporter.
o Local newspapers inform the public about their communities.
Note: For more information on sentence
parts, see subsequent sections of
Grammar.

Group Forms to Ignite College Student Activism

Identify the sentence patterns in the following sentences.
(a) S/V-subject-verb
(b) S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
(c) S/V/O-subject-verb-object
(d) S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object.
1

Students from 45 colleges and universities today agreed to form a national

organization devoted to fighting student apathy.
S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

The students said their immediate objective is to increase student turnout in elections.
S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

Students don't vote.

S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

That was the message the group told delegates to take home.
S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

Most of the delegates to the weekend conference appeared enthusiastic about the
prospect of increasing student activism.
S/V-subject-verb
A)

S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

Stewart Haines of Mallory College told the 150 delegates, "Your task is just
beginning."
S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

Studies have shown that college students lack civic concerns.

S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

The result, said Haines, is the growing power of special-interest groups and
lobbyists.
S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

The delegates also want to stimulate interest in public-service careers.

S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)

1
0

Few students seem interested in teaching or government service.

S/V-subject-verb
A)
S/V/SC-subject-verb-subject complement
B)
S/V/O-subject-verb-object
C)

S/V/IO/DO-subject-verb-indirect object-direct object

D)