Sentence patterns

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Sentence patterns

• Word order
• in
• simple English sentences

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Basic rules for word order

• The simplest complete sentence has 3 parts
• Subject verb(s) direct object
• A cat - eats - meat.
• I - have read the book.

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Quick practiceread these sentences in the
correct order

1. the exam my sister passed
2. a writer a book - writes
3. has the mail brought the postman
4. nobody met we have
5. can my hat see - I

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Indirect object with(out) to

• If you add an indirect object, you have two
  possibilities for its position
• Subject verb(s) indirect object direct
  object
• He - gave - her - a
  diamond ring
• Subject verb(s) direct object to
  indirect object
• He - gave - a diamond ring to her

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Quick practiceread these sentences in the
correct order

1. shall a new one you I give
2. tell you to her must not the secret
3. has a new watch bought my uncle me
4. will sell the house to us they
5. you Cyril and Maisy tell the truth - will

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Adjuncts of place

• Adjuncts of place (Where does it happen?) follow
  behind the objects (direct and indirect).
• Subject verb(s) objects place
• I gave him the book in the library

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Quick practiceread these sentences in the
correct order

1. you I outside the office meet shall
2. the butler coffee her gave in the lounge
3. from Paris will our friends us a postcard
   send
4. Henry bought us a cake at the bakers
5. sent his regards at her palace to the Queen
   of England the President of France

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Adjunct of time

• For adjuncts of time (When does it happen?)
• There are 2 possible positions right at the
  beginning or at the very end of the sentence.
• (time) subject verb(s) objects place
  (time)
• Yesterday I saw her at the
  party
• OR
• I saw her at the party - yesterday

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Quick practiceread these sentences in the
correct order

1. a tree in the garden a week ago he
   planted
2. a Spanish doll my aunt in Madrid bought
   this summer my sister
3. At the station my friend saw this morning
   at 7 oclock I
4. to Switzerland are going for a week we
5. me to school brought my mother when I was
   young