We know from "How to Write English Sentences 1" that before you write an English sentence some decisions have to be made.
What is the single or complete thought that you are stating, describing, explaining or asking. Now we have to decide which of six basic English sentence construction formats best suits your sentence.
Lets review the six basic English sentence construction formats in greater detail.
Writers can construct every type of English sentence using these six patterns.
1. No Verb Complement
The simplest structure is one without a verb complement. In traditional grammar, all verb complements are either nouns or adjectives.
Example: Ross teaches.
2. Direct Object Verb Complement
The defining characteristic is the presence of a direct object.
Example: Ross teaches students.
3. Indirect and Direct Object Verb Complements
Both indirect and direct objects are present. Indirect objects are placed immediately after the verb. Direct objects that are noun phrases follow the indirect object.
Example: Ross taught [(me) (a lesson)].
4. Predicate Nominative Verb Complement
The predicate nominative verb complement is a noun or a pronoun that redefines, renames, or classifies the subject of the sentence. The verb in a predicate nominative sentence pattern is always a linking verb, such as be, seem or become.
Examples: Ross became a teacher.
5. Predicate Adjective Verb Complement
The predicate adjective is an adjective that modifies the subject of the sentence. The verb is always a linking verb, such as be, seem, smell, look, taste or become.
Examples: Ross became famous.
6. Direct Object and Objective Complement
The verb complements are a direct object and an objective complement. An objective complement is a noun or an adjective that occurs after the direct object and describes the direct object.
Example: Ross's English class made [(me) (bilingual)].
Additional Examples of English Sentences with Simple Configurations
Simple subject and predicate
Example: Ross taught.
Understood subject (for commands, directives)
Example: Study!
Interjection
Examples: Ouch that hurt!
Compound predicate
The student listened and wrote.
Compound subject and predicate
Ross and Shirley worked hard and then rested.
Three subjects
Koreans, Japanese and Canadians studied in the school.
Direct object
Shirley sent the letter.
Compound direct objects
Ross sent cards and letters.
Three direct objects
Ross sent posters, cards, and letters.
Compound predicate with direct objects
Ross wrote a poem and read it.
Compound predicate with one direct object
Shirley proofreads and edits her letters.
Indirect object
Ross gave the students homework.
Compound indirect objects
The teacher gave Jessica and Matthew quizzes.
Predicate noun
Ross is a teacher.
Objective Complement
Ross wiped his blackboard clean.
Direct address
Harold, tell the class now.
Adjective
Athletic moves excite the crowd.
Compound adjectives
The young and playful puppy played with the students.
Predicate adjective
The lesson was accurate.
Compound predicate adjectives
The lesson was accurate and detailed.
Comparative Adjective
Ross is considerably older than his brother.
Adverb
Shirley works quickly.
Adverbs modifying other adverbs
My dog wags its tail quite often.
Compound adverbs
The teacher waited patiently and quietly for the answer.
Passive Voice
The education article was read.
In the next How to write English Sentences page we will discuss the four English sentence types: declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory.
If you liked this page of English grammar explanations and samples and would like more - you can buy the 96 page grammar summary "Blueprint for English" eBook (for 5 dollars) and get the SentenceMaster practice word cards. Use this grammar eBook to become a better English writer.
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