The SENTENCE PATTERN*

*It refers to the arrangement of words in a sentence

Key Terms
• Subject (S) – the topic being discussed in a sentence
• Transitive Verb (TV) – verb that requires a direct
object
• Intransitive Verb (IV) – verb that does not require
a direct object
• Direct Object (DO) – noun or pronoun where the
action of the verb is directed.
• Indirect Object (IO) – a noun or pronoun receiving
the direct object.
• Linking Verb (LV) – verb that links the subject and
its complement
• Subjective Complement (SC) – an adjective or noun
that describes the subject
• Objective Complement (OC) – an adjective or noun
that describes the direct object
 Pattern 1. S – TV – DO

S TV DO
Example: The teacher teaches English.

Pattern 2. S – TV - DO – IO

S TV DO IO
Example: Brandon gave this book to Daniel.

Pattern 3. S – TV – IO – DO

S TV IO DO
Example: The customer paid me this bill
 Pattern 4. S – IV
S IV
Example: Steven went to the market.

Pattern 5. S – LV – SC

S LV SC
Example: The building is very tall.

Pattern 6. S – TV – DO – OC

S TV DO OC
Example: Koreans call their mother umma