Subject, verb, object and complement are the major fundamental elements of sentences we use to form different sentence structures. In this blog post, I’m going to provide step by step guide to learn sentence formation methods.
Sentence structure in english is formed with the help of syntactic terms or constituents. Mainly, they are subject, verb, object, complement, and adverbial.(S+V+O+C)
Role and functions of syntactic terms or elements of sentence
Before to proceed, we need to take a look at the basic constituents of the sentence such as subject, verb, object and complement.
- Subject (S)- simple and compound
- Verb (V) – main verb, helping verbs
- Object (O) – direct and indirect objects
- Complement (C) – sC, aC, oC
- Adverbial (A)
By using these constituents, following basic sentence structures could be realized..
Different forms of sentence structures in english grammar
Here are the major types of sentence structures commonly used in daily expressions.
Whether you are writing emails, reports, or presentations, mastering sentence structures will have a significant impact on your business success.
1. Subject Verb Object (SVO)
The subject verb object (SVO) sentence structure is the most common and straightforward way to convey information. It consists of a subject (who or what the sentence is about), a verb (the action or state of being), and an object (the receiver of the action).
For example, ‘Our company launched a new product.’ This structure is effective because it clearly identifies the subject and the action, making the sentence easy to follow.
Transition words like ‘furthermore’ and ‘moreover’ can be used to connect ideas and add coherence to your writing. For instance, ‘Furthermore, our new product has received positive feedback from customers, indicating its success in the market.’
2.Subject Verb Complement (SVC)
In the subject verb complement (SVC) sentence structure, the verb is followed by a complement that provides additional information about the subject. The complement can be an adjective, noun, or prepositional phrase.
For example, ‘Our team is dedicated.’ The complement ‘dedicated’ describes the subject ‘team’. Using active voice in SVC sentences is key to keeping your writing concise and engaging. Instead of saying ‘Our team is considered dedicated by our clients,’ say ‘Our clients consider our team dedicated.’ This not only eliminates unnecessary words but also emphasizes the subject and action.
3. Subject Verb Object Complement (SVOc)
The subject verb object complement (SVOc) sentence structure is similar to SVO but includes a complement that provides more information about the object. For example, ‘We made our employees happy with a generous bonus.’
The complement ‘happy’ describes the object ’employees.’ Effective use of transition words like ‘however’ and ‘on the other hand’ can help you add contrasting information and make your writing more persuasive. For instance, ‘We made our employees happy with a generous bonus. However, it is important to note that employee satisfaction is not solely dependent on monetary rewards.’
Here are some useful sentence structures commonly used in daily expressions.
1.“Subject +Verb + aC” (aC is adverbial complements)
- My parents are living in Los Angeles.
- The sun rises in the east.
- A chair can’t stand on two legs. Harry is in the garden.
2.“Subject+ Verb + sC” (sC is subject complements)
- He is a gifted student.
- The national is so congested.
- It is too cold.
- Mary seems happy.
3.“Subject + Verb + Object + A” (A is adverbial)
- I will finish the book later.
- Next Week, I will finish the book.
4.“Subject + Verb + Object + oC” (oC is object complements)
- People made him the king.
- The board elected Bob the chairman.
- We consider the decision unwise.
5.“Subject + Verb + Infinitive”
- I want to speak.
- He forgot to lock the door.
- She hopes to get a first class.
6.“Subject + Verb + Object + infinitive”
- He wanted me to study.
- Albert told the child to close the door.
- He likes his wife to dress well.
7.“Subject + Verb + Gerund”
- They must give up drinking and smoking.
- He started writing.
- I enjoy teaching.
8.“Subject + Verb + passive infinitive”
- They aspired to be qualified.
- Brazil desired to be developed.
9.“Subject + Verb + Object + Present participle”
- They caught him stealing.
- She found the baby crying.
10.“Subject + Verb +Object + adjective”
- She washed my shirt clean.
- He painted the wall green.
- The police set the accused free.
11.“Subject + Verb + Indirect object + Direct object” (indirect object and direct object)
- I gifted John a book.
- Students told the teacher theirs problem.
12.“Subject + Verb + Object + Prepositional object”
- I gave a football to Joly.
- You show the progress report to your mother.
- They told their problem to the teacher.
So far, you might have got better insight of formation of sentence structures by our step by step guide to learn sentence formation methods. Now, let’s see some basic information about fundamental elements like subject, predicate and object.
Understanding Subject Predicate and Object
Simply, Sentence is an orderly well arranged a definite set of words which used to convey or express complete sense of meaning or idea.
Moreover, the nature of any sentence depends on the proper use of parts of speech to expand or elaborate any sentence meaningful.
Parts of speech are used to form any types of sentences. But, to construct better meaning, they are used in the orderly manner. Following are the key elements of sentence structure.
A) Subject — simple subject, Compound subject
It includes nouns, pronouns or adjectives. Subject is used as a doer of action. It is also called actor of action initiated.
B) Predicate — simple predicate, compound predicate
Predicate includes helping or modal auxiliary verbs, main verbs, and objects. Predicate is used to express action occurring or describes subject in detail.
But, the combination of “subject and predicate” is used as per the types of sentences.
Generally, these parts do not require in making of imperative sentences. Below are the examples of the sentences without subject.
1.Examples of imperative sentences
- “Open the door.” – (subject is assumed)
- “Keep quite.”
- “Go there.”
- “Stand up.”
In these examples, there is no room for subject. Especially, in the formation of imperative sentences, subject is assumed.
However, in assertive, sentence begins by subject and is completed by predicate.
2.Examples assertive sentences.
- “The water flows.” (all are intransitive sentences)
- “I exercise regularly.”
- “Peacock dances.”
- “Tree grows.”
Here, in these intransitive sentences, simple subjects and predicates are used accordingly.
3.Use of compound subject: an element of sentence structure
When the subject is begun with single subject ,we call it simple subject. But, in case of multiple subjects, it is called compound subject.
- “India and Australia singed a trade agreement in 2019.” (transitive sentence)
- “Himalaya and Andes are fold mountains.”
- “Ganga and Amazon are perennial rivers.”
In these examples, compound subject is used to begin the sentence.
Use of compound predicate
Multiple predicates are used joining by conjunctions with single subject in the sentence.
- “Tiger jumps and catches his pray.”
- “Temperature rises in the summer and decrease in the winter season.”
Here, two predicates are used in the single sentence with single subject. And, it is called compound predicate. So, in this way, sentence formation processes consider the both simple and compound forms.
Apart from this, in a single sentence, more than one clause is used to convey the complete meaning of idea. Nevertheless, in the simple sentence, only independent clause is used.
A simple sentence can be expanded with additional information in the form of adjectives and adverbs as per the situation.
This is all about the presentation of step by step guide to learn sentence formation methods.
Describing functions of Preposition
Indirect Speech Of Assertive Sentence
Complex compound & mixed sentences