Writing Simple Sentences

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Writing Simple Sentences
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Defining Simple Sentences

• A simple sentence is made up of a single complete
  subject and the complete verb(s) that tell what
  the subject does, did, or will do.

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Complete Subjects

• A complete subject is the simple subject of the
  sentencea noun or a pronoun that tells who or
  what is being talked aboutand all of the words
  that describe it.
• She called me yesterday.
• (She is both the simple subject and the complete
  subject of this sentence.)
• The old gray mare is in the pasture.
• (The simple subject of this sentence is mare the
  complete subject is the old gray mare.)

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Compound Subjects

• A compound subject consists of two or more simple
  subjects joined with and or or. A compound
  subject is still considered a single complete
  subject.
• My uncle David, Harold, and Harolds six-year-old
  twin brothers all went to the movie together.
• (This sentence has three simple subjectsDavid,
  Harold, and brothersbut the phrase My uncle
  David, Harold, and Harolds six-year-old twin
  brothers makes up a single complete subject.)

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• Sometimes the subject of a sentence is understood
  rather than directly stated.
• Stop!
• (The simple and complete subject, you, is
  understood.)

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Complete Verbs

• A complete verb is made up of a single main verb
  and all of the helping verbs that accompany it.
• The mare is in the pasture.
• (The main verb, which is also the complete verb
  in this sentence, is is.)
• She has been calling me every day for a week.
• (The main verb is calling, and the helping verbs
  are has and been, so the complete verb is has
  been calling.)

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Compound Verbs

• Verbs can be compound, too. Two or more complete
  verbs joined with and or or that refer to the
  same subject are considered a compound verb.
• They have planned the wedding and will spend
  their honeymoon in Key West.
• (The main verbs in this sentence are planned and
  spend, and the complete verbs are have planned
  and will spend. This sentence contains a compound
  verb because both verbs explain what the subject,
  they, did.)

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• A simple sentence can be very simple, containing
  only a simple subject and a main verb, or it can
  contain a compound subject or a compound verb (or
  both).
• I waited.
• The grizzled old doctor and his coughing,
  sputtering car made their way to the office.
• Tony sat on the bench and let out a sigh.
• Dora and Michael bought sandwiches and took a
  walk in the park.

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Finding the Subject(s)

• The subject is the topic of the sentence, who or
  what is taking an action or being talked about.
• Class starts early in the morning.
• I am glad to be at school.

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Subjects can be nouns or pronouns.

• A noun is a word that names a person, place or
  thing
• Abdullah, Lincoln University, classrooms
• A pronoun is a word that stands for a noun
• he, it, they

he, it, they
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Subjects, like nouns, can be singular or plural.

• This class is fun.
• My classes are fun.
• My teachers and my assignments are fun.

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Remember Two Important Things about Prepositional
Phrases

• A prepositional phrase doesnt make sense by
  itself, so it cant be a complete sentence.
• In the front row.
• The student in the front row is smart.

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Finding the Verb(s)

• All sentences have at least one verb.
• The verb explains what the subject is doing
  (action verb) or connects the subject to words
  that describe it (linking verb).
• That student works hard.
• That student is industrious.

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• The subject of a sentence will never be found
  inside a prepositional phrase.
• Each student in this room is intelligent.
• All students in this room are intelligent.

prepositional phrases
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Many verbs are made up of more than one word.

• I love grammar.
• Everyone should love grammar.
• Soon you will love grammar too.
• We are loving it already.
• I have loved grammar all my life.

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Word of caution At times, verb forms (usually
ending in ing) can be the subject of a sentence.

• I am going to the mall.
• Going to the mall is my favorite pastime.