How to write English Sentences 2
How to use six basic sentence constructions formats
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)
Examples: Ouch that hurt!
The student listened and wrote.
Compound subject and predicate
Ross and Shirley worked hard and then rested.
Koreans, Japanese and Canadians studied in the school.
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.
Ross gave the students homework.
Compound indirect objects
The teacher gave Jessica and Matthew quizzes.
Ross is a teacher.
Ross wiped his blackboard clean.
Harold, tell the class now.
Athletic moves excite the crowd.
The young and playful puppy played with the students.
The lesson was accurate.
Compound predicate adjectives
The lesson was accurate and detailed.
Ross is considerably older than his brother.
Shirley works quickly.
Adverbs modifying other adverbs
My dog wags its tail quite often.
The teacher waited patiently and quietly for the answer.
The education article was read.
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In the next How to write English Sentences page we will discuss the four English sentence types:
declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory.
Go to the following link: How to write English Sentences - choose one of the four sentence types
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