entence Part Patterns
Sentence parts (subject, verbs, objects, etc.) come arranged in different ways. Here are four sentence patterns that journalists rely on.
S/V The simplest sentence pattern is subject + verb.
News spreads.
The accident victim sobbed.
(In this case, the verb is intransitive: it does not take an object).
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.
The driver appeared intoxicated.
They are professionals.
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.
Professor Figuera threw the textbook.
Domestic violence often can lead to murder.
Note: S/V/O is a major tool for the journalist. This pattern produces clear, direct writing.
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.
The editor-in-chief gave the assignment to the newest reporter.
Local newspapers inform the public about their communities.
Note: For more information on sentence parts, see subsequent sections of Grammar.