Once you understand pattern four sentences, pattern five are a snap. They share the same internal logic, so it actually works well to learn them simultaneously.

Like pattern four, pattern five has three core parts. First comes the familiar subject noun (SN), or who or what the sentence is about. Next comes the linking verb (LV), which ties the subject to the predicate in a two-directional way. Last comes the predicate adjective (PA), which modifies the subject noun.

Let’s put this in context with an example. Be sure to download the grammar memorization questions as a cross-reference.

SAMPLE LESSON

Here is a simple sentence about Henry that shows the internal logic of pattern four.

To classify this sentence, we would use the following script.

Who was angry?—Henry (SN)

What is being said about Henry?—Henry was (V)

Was what?—angry

Does angry mean the same thing as Henry?—no, angry modifies Henry (PA)

Go back to the verb. —was (LV)

If you compare this question and answer flow with the one for pattern four, you will notice that everything is the same until we get to the fourth question about whether or not the predicate matches the subject. In pattern four, the answer to this question is YES, they DO match. But, in pattern five, the answer is NO, they DO NOT match. Nevertheless, they are connected in that the predicate adjective adds more meaning to the subject noun. In this example, “angry” explains what kind of person Henry is.

This is what it looks like in a diagram.

The difference between pattern four and pattern five is so subtle, they follow the exact same format when it comes to diagramming.

PRACTICE SENTENCES

For better or worse, it’s time to say goodbye to Henry and move onto his children. We will begin with his youngest child, Edward, who took the crown next in succession thanks to the practice of primogeniture explained in this post. These sentences combine pattern four and five.

“Son” matches “Edward,” so this sentence is pattern four.
“Pale” and “thin” modify “he,” so this sentence is pattern five.
“King” matches “Edward,” so this sentence is pattern four.
“Distressed” modifies “kingdom,” so this sentence is pattern five.
“Protestant” modifies “kingdom,” so this sentence is pattern five.

His rule was so short because he died prematurely at the age of fifteen, leaving a very complicated line of succession in his wake. Being so young and unwed, he had no heirs.

Thus, his eldest sister, Mary, who had previously been declared illegitimate, managed to ascend the throne despite Edward’s opposition. We’ll look at her reign in the next lesson on pattern six.