We will examine the five sentence patterns learned in middle school in greater detail at the high-school level. First, let us learn applications of the first sentence pattern SV and the second sentence pattern SVC.
Basic Rules
The first sentence pattern (SV) consists only of complete intransitive verbs, and the core of the sentence does not change even when an adverbial phrase follows it. The construction “There is/are 〜” is also actually classified as the first sentence pattern (the subject is the 〜 part).
The second sentence pattern (SVC) shows that S is in the state of C. In addition to the verb be, become / get / grow / turn / come / go (changes of state), look / sound / smell / taste / feel (perception), and seem / appear / prove / remain (inference and continuation) take C. The C in SVC can be a noun, adjective, or participle. The key is to recognize the relationship “subject = complement.”
There stood a tall man at the entrance. (A tall man was standing at the entrance.) ← SV (inversion)
She turned pale at the news. (She turned pale at the news.) ← SVC (turn + adjective)
The plan proved successful. (The plan proved to be successful.) ← SVC (prove + adjective)
He came running toward us. (He came running toward us.) ← SVC (present participle complement)
※ The sentence pattern changes depending on whether what follows V is an adverb or a complement.
Points to Note
① Distinguishing intransitive and transitive verbs: discuss is transitive (discuss about is incorrect), marry is also transitive (× marry with → ○ marry someone), and enter is also transitive (× enter into the room → ○ enter the room). Move away from the habit of using prepositions based on expressions such as “talk about” and “get married to.”
② Whether the C in SVC is a noun or an adjective: He became a doctor. (noun), He became famous. (adjective). Depending on the verb, some verbs take only nouns or only adjectives.
③ Verbs expressing the continuation of a state: remain / stay / keep + adjective means “continue to be〜.” “The door remained open.” “He stayed silent throughout the meeting.”
④ The inverted first sentence pattern: When a place adverbial phrase comes at the beginning of a sentence, the word order becomes “adverbial phrase + V + S.” “On the hill stood an old castle. (An old castle stood on the hill.)” This is frequently tested in high school.
- SV = complete intransitive verb, SVC = S = C relationship
- Verbs taking SVC: become / turn / look / sound / seem / prove / remain
- discuss / marry / enter are transitive verbs (no preposition needed)
- Inverted construction: place adverbial phrase + V + S
- The C in SVC can be a noun, adjective, or participle
Practice
- Translate “He remained silent” into English using remain.
- Correct the error: He discussed about the new plan with us.
- Change the following sentence into an inverted sentence: An old man stood at the gate.