Master the six basic verb patterns in English grammar by understanding how main clause elements like subject, verb, object, and complement work together to form correct sentences.
What Are Basic Verb Patterns?
If we look at the main elements in the clause (s, V, 0, C), we can distinguish six basic verb patterns. We call them verb patterns rather than clause patterns, since it is the verb that determines the type of clause structure.
How Do the Six Basic Verb Patterns Work?
What Is the SVC or SVA Verb Pattern?
The first verb pattern occurs with linking verbs: be, appear, look, seem, etc. Linking verbs link together the subject and the complement (here in square brackets):
- Luke's father is [a lawyer]
- Both boxers became [famous]
- The victory seems [a foregone conclusion].
- The guard posts are [along the frontier].
What Is the SVO Verb Pattern?
The second verb pattern occurs with verbs that have one object, i.e. transitive verbs:
- I like [Hemingway's style].
What Is the SVOV Verb Pattern?
The third verb pattern occurs with verbs that have an object + a verb:
- The manager asked [me] (to work overtime)
What Is the SVOO Verb Pattern?
The fourth verb pattern occurs with verbs that have two objects (these verbs are called ditransitive verbs):
- I'll give [you] (the report) on Monday.
What Is the SVOC Verb Pattern?
The fifth verb pattern occurs with verbs that have an object and an object complement:
- We found (the house) (too expensive)
What Is the SV Verb Pattern?
The sixth verb pattern occurs with verbs without object or complement, i.e. intransitive verbs:
- The children laughed.
Key Takeaways
- The verb in a sentence determines its specific clause structure and pattern.
- There are six basic verb patterns categorized by their use of objects, complements, or linking elements.
- Linking verbs connect subjects to complements (SVC/SVA), while transitive verbs take objects (SVO).
- Intransitive verbs (SV) require neither an object nor a complement to form a complete thought.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of these concepts! Leave your answers in the comments below:
- Identify the verb pattern used in the sentence: "The children laughed."
- What type of verbs occur with two objects in the SVOO pattern?
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines the type of clause structure in a sentence?
It is the verb that determines the type of clause structure, which is why linguists refer to these as verb patterns rather than clause patterns.
What is the difference between transitive and intransitive verb patterns?
Transitive verbs require one or more objects (such as in the SVO pattern), whereas intransitive verbs (such as the SV pattern) function completely without an object or complement.
What are linking verbs in grammar?
Linking verbs like be, appear, look, and seem connect the subject of a sentence to its complement, forming the SVC (or SVA) pattern.