Subject + verb. The simplest of sentence patterns is composed of a subject and verb without a direct object or subject complement. It uses an intransitive verb, that is, a verb requiring no direct object:
The cross-member exposed to abnormal stress eventually broke.
Only two types of
charge exist in nature.
Subject + linking verb + subject complement. Another simple pattern uses the linking verb, any form of the to be verb without an action verb:
The chain reaction is the basis of nuclear power.
The debate over nuclear power has often been bitter.
Folding and faulting of the earth's surface are
important geologic processes.
Subject + verb + direct object. Another common sentence pattern uses the direct object:
Silicon conducts electricity in an unusual way.
The anti-reflective coating on the the silicon cell reduces reflection from 32 to 22 percent.
Prestressing of the concrete
increases the load-carrying capacity of the members.
Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object. The sentence pattern with the indirect object and direct object is similar to the preceding pattern:
We are sending you the balance of the payment in this letter.
I am writing her about a number of problems that I have had with my Execucomp wordprocessor.
The supervisor mailed the applicant
a description of the job.
Subject + verb + direct object + object complement. The sentence pattern using the [direct object] and object complement is not common but worth knowing:
The plant shutdown left the entire area an economic disaster.
The committee declared the
new design a breakthrough in energy efficiency.