37. Get acquainted with the 5 primary sentence patterns

Parents Who Write

Have you ever written a sentence that just feels off? And you’re not sure how to rearrange the words or phrases to create a stronger sentence?
Today’s episode plants the first seeds for gaining this knowledge. Just listen, and let these concepts grow roots. And when you come back and listen again, you’ll strengthen these ideas, which in turn will begin to strengthen your writing.
Why? Because no matter how many words a sentence contains, whether that’s 3 words or 100, every sentence boils down to 5 basic patterns. And when you know how the patterns should flow, you’ll be better able to identify and fix those awkward sentences that muddy your ideas and confuse your readers.
So stay tuned and familiarize yourself with the bigger picture.
Also, if you want a visual version of this episode, you can read the article version online: https://lifebeyondparenting.com/sentence-patterns.
Topics discussed in this episode:

• Know your puzzle pieces
• When to implement this in your writing
• Pattern one: subject + verb + subject complement
• Pattern two: subject + verb
• Pattern three: subject + verb + direct object
• Pattern four: subject + verb + indirect object + direct object
• Pattern five: subject + verb + direct object + object complement
• How this helps you

About Erin:
Erin P.T. Canning has worked for more than 15 years as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.
She always planned to write a book. Then she had kids. While she focused on them, she stopped writing—for six years. Something deep inside was missing. Depression, anxiety, and anger forced her to search for herself, both for her sake and her family’s.
Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. One journal entry led to one blog post that led to her creating her podcast, Parents Who Write. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help others pursue their writing dreams.
Finally, she finished writing her own shitty first draft and will release her first novel in 2023. She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she lives with her husband and their two boys in Maryland.
Connect with Erin:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning
• Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
• Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting

Ready to stop circling around your manuscript?
As an experienced professional editor, I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction. Learn more by visiting ParentsWhoWrite.com/editing, and book a free 30-minute call with me to discuss what’s right for you.