Sentence Pattern Project

Terms Definition Example Illustration

SV (Subject -Verb) S V singular no ‘s’ singular ‘s’
The most basic sentence pattern where 1.The bird perches.
the noun followed by a verb. Only verbs (singular form) The bird perches.
that do not require objects are used in S V
this sentence pattern. 2.The birds perch.
(plural form) noun subject verb

SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) The sentence that starts with subject

and followed by verb and object. 1. Jessy is writing notes. Subject verb object added
Elements such as adjectives or an adverb
adverb can be added. 2.Jessy is writing notes neatly. Jessy is writing notes neatly.

SVC (Subject-Verb-Compliment) This sentence starts with subject, verb

and the verb followed by complement. 1. Nayanthara is an actress. Subject verb complement
The complement can be noun or an (adjective)
adjective which describing subject. 2. My father looks exhausted. My father looks exhausted.

SVOO (Subject-Verb-Indirect Object- It tells to whom or for whom something

Direct Object) is done. The indirect object always Subject verb indirect object
comes between the verb and the direct 1.The teacher told them a story.
object. The verb used with a direct
object is always an action verb. Another 2. The child gave her mother a hug. The teacher told them a story.
way of saying it is that the subject does
the verb to the direct object.
direct object
SVOA (Subject-Verb-Object- An adverb phrase is simply a group of Subject verb object
Adverbial) two or more words that function as an 1. Venice gifted me a watch on my
adverb in a sentence. Just as birthday.
an adverb can modify a verb, adjective Venice gifted me a watch on
or another adverb, an adverb phrase of 2. I eat bananas twice a week. my birthday.
more than one word can further
describe a verb, adverb, or adjective.
adverbial phrase
SVOC (Subject-Verb-Object- In this pattern, the direct object is 1. Maria considered the book
Compliment) followed by a group of words that great. Subject verb object
completes the object’s meaning by
renaming or describing it. 2. They elected him president. Maria considered the book great.

compliment