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.
   • News spreads.
   • 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.
• The driver appeared intoxicated.
• 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.
   • 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.

   
   
   
4. 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.

Group Forms to Ignite College Student Activism

1			CHICAGO-Students 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
2			The 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
3			Students 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
4			That 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
5			Most 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
6			Stewart 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
7			Studies 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
8			The 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
9			The 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
10			Few 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