Writing Center

Basic Sentence Patterns

Subject + intransitive verb Elizabeth swims. Dolphins leap. John hated lima beans. Books convey ideas. !he sea is beauti"ul. #ou seem worried.

Subject + transitive verb + direct object

Subject: + linkin verb + subject complement

Subject + transitive verb + indirect object + direct object !he writer sold his publisher a three$part story. !he pitcher threw the catcher a curve ball. Subject + transitive verb + direct object + object complement Samantha called her sister a baby. !he kin made %awain a knight. &erb + subject + verb' ()uestions* +an Sherry play with us, -ill this train leave on time, &erb + .other/ (commands* 0eave this room immediately. %ive your e1ams to the proctor. Subject .workin as object/ + transitive verb (passive voice* !he )ueen was laid to rest. Books were read to the children. Dinner is served at ei ht.