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 ActivismIdentify 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.

1Students from 45 colleges and universities today agreed to form a national organization devoted to fighting student apathy.

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

2The students said their immediate objective is to increase student turnout in elections.

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

3Students don't vote.

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

4That was the message the group told delegates to take home.

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

5Most of the delegates to the weekend conference appeared enthusiastic about the prospect of increasing student activism.

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

6Stewart Haines of Mallory College told the 150 delegates, "Your task is just beginning."

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

7Studies have shown that college students lack civic concerns.

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

8The result, said Haines, is the growing power of special-interest groups and lobbyists.

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

9The delegates also want to stimulate interest in public-service careers.

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

10Few students seem interested in teaching or government service.

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