Let’s learn about simple sentence structure.
We’ve been taught since pre-school that the basic parts of a sentence are its subject and verb. Taking that to heart, let’s delve into the different kinds of structure – the simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Why do you need to learn these? Because the plain existence of a subject and a verb in a sentence isn’t enough to fuel a message. Using varying kinds of sentences makes your writing – and speaking – more intelligent and compelling.
Related Reading: Compound Complex Sentence – Sentence Structure
What is a Simple Sentence?
A simple sentence is the most basic type of structure. It has only one independent clause and no subordinate clause. Recall that an independent clause is a group of words that has subject and a verb and can stand alone. On the other hand, a subordinate clause, also known as dependent clause, is a group of words that do not express a complete thought; hence, it can’t be a sentence on its own.
Here are examples of simple sentences with the subjects in bold and verbs italicized.
- We found the missing cat.
- They should pay the bills soon.
NOTE: A simple sentence may have a compound subject, a compound verb, or both.
- Ryan and his friends auditioned for the role. [compound subject: Ryan and her friends]
- The teacher and her students discussed the homework and scheduled an exam. [compound subject: The teacher and her students; compound verb: discussed and scheduled]
- Michelle quit her daytime job and started her own business. [subject: Michelle; compound verb: quit and started]
Exercise:
In each example below, bolden the subject or compound subject once and italicize the verb or compound verb.
- Linda arrived from England yesterday.
- She attended the birthday party but forgot the presents.
- The president nor his cabinet members have clear-cut plans about the rising Covid-19 cases.
- He not only earned a diploma but also used his education in serving the country.
- Men showing emotions and women taking up space should be normalized and upheld.
Answers:
- Linda arrived from England yesterday.
- She attended the birthday party but forgot the presents.
- The president nor his cabinet members have clear-cut plans about the rising Covid-19 cases.
- He not only earned a diploma but also used his education in serving the country.
- Men showing emotions and women taking up space should be normalized and upheld.
Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about simple sentence structure.
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