BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS

 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.


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