The Simple Sentence Exercise
Before doing the exercise, let’s review the structure of the simple sentence.
Explanation:
The sentence is the block of the English grammar. It is a group of words that express a complete thought.
The simple sentence is an independent clause, meaning that it can stand on its own and give a complete thought. Connecting simple sentences using conjunctions can make compound and complex sentences.
Every simple sentence in English must have:
- a subject (S) – the person or thing that does the action
- a verb (V) – the state of/ the action done by the subject
If the verb is transitive, it requires
- an object (O) – the person or thing affected by the action
Other parts of a sentence may be
- adjectives (Adj) to describe nouns,
- adverbs (Adv) to describe how verbs are done, and
- prepositions (Prep) to show place or time.
The meaning of a sentence in English depends on the word order. Generally, the sentence starts with the subject followed by the verb and object (in case the verb requires an object, i.e. transitive verb). In command sentences (giving orders or instructions), most of the time, you don’t see the subject (you) because it is understood from the context. For example, when you say, Open the door, we understand that the subject of the verb open is “you.“
Forms:
Statement:
- The sun shines brightly.
- We approved the plan.
Question:
- How old are you?
- What would you like to eat?
Command:
- Listen carefully!
- Close the window.
Exclamation:
- What a beautiful dress!
- How tall this building is!
Punctuation Note:
Every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends in one of the end marks: full-stop (or period), question mark, or exclamation mark.
