Sentence Patterns
Introduction
One recent approach to understanding English sentences asks you to recognize the various patterns upon which English sentences are based. Fortunately for students of English grammar, you need to concern yourself with only nine basic patterns. These basic sentence patterns are combined in various ways to generate (or construct) longer sentences. But no matter how long a sentence is, it is still based on one pattern, or a combination of two or more basic patterns. It follows, then, that if you learn to recognize these patterns (you already know them; you use them in your speech), you will more easily and quickly grasp the basics of the English sentence. Here, in simplified form, are the nine basic patterns of the English sentence:
- Noun + Verb to be + Adjective
The grass is green. - Noun + Verb to be + Adverb
My bedroom was upstairs.
The single-word adverb in this sentence pattern may be replaced by a prepositional phrase with a "there" or "then” meaning, as in this sentence:
Mother was in the garden. - Noun1 + Verb to be + Noun1
Some dogs are good hunters. - Noun + Intransitive Verb
The shadows deepened. - Noun1 + Transitive Verb + Noun2
The cat caught the mouse. - Noun1 + Transitive Verb + Noun2 + Noun3
My brother gave his wife some flowers.
or
Noun1 + Transitive Verb + Noun2 + to + Noun3
My brother gave some flowers to his wife. - Noun, + Transitive Verb + Noun2 + X, wherein X equals any one of several possibilities:
♦ Another noun or a pronoun
We elected Mabel president.
♦ An adjective
They considered Sam handsome.
♦ A pronoun
The FBI thought Jerry me.
♦ An adverb of place
We imagined him downstairs.
♦ Verb, present participle
We found the child crying.
♦ Verb, past participle
The boys found their clothes pressed.
♦ Prepositional phrase
They considered him in their way.
♦ Infinitive phrase with to be
Everyone considered Ella to be a friend.
In the Pattern 7 sentence
(Noun1 + Transitive Verb + Noun2 + X), the X may also represent a combination of sentence elements, such as a verb and a prepositional phrase. - Noun + Linking Verb + Adjective
The milk smells bad. - Noun + Linking Verb + Noun2
Marie remained president until the election.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the nine basic sentence patterns is essential for anyone looking to improve their English grammar skills. These patterns form the foundation of all English sentences, regardless of their length or complexity. By recognizing and understanding these patterns, you can enhance your ability to construct clear and grammatically correct sentences. This knowledge not only aids in writing but also in comprehending the structure of sentences you encounter in reading and conversation. For more detailed insights and examples, visit elafree.com. Happy learning!