Basic Sentence Patterns
The five core English sentence structures: SV, SVC, SVO, SVOO, SVOC
What are Basic Sentence Patterns?
English sentences follow five basic patterns based on the verb type. Every sentence you write or speak is a variation of one of these five patterns.
The Five Sentence Patterns
SV — Subject + Verb
Intransitive verb pattern: the subject performs an action with no object needed.
It rains.
The baby sleeps.
SVC — Subject + Verb + Complement
Linking verb pattern: the complement describes or identifies the subject.
She is happy.
The sky became dark.
SVO — Subject + Verb + Object
Transitive verb pattern: the action passes from subject to object. The most common pattern.
SVOO — Subject + Verb + Indirect Obj + Direct Obj
Ditransitive verb pattern: two objects — someone (indirect) receives something (direct). Common verbs: give, send, show, tell, buy.
She gave me a present.
SVOC — Subject + Verb + Object + Complement
Complex transitive pattern: the complement describes or renames the object. Common verbs: make, call, find, keep, paint.
We elected him president.