Do you remember the first time you learned how to write a sentence? Most of us are taught how to put three words together to make sentences in kindergarten: I like dogs. She eats cookies. Games are fun! Sound familiar? These three-word sentences are one of the most basic types of simple sentences, and they serve as a foundation to forming more complex sentences. However, simple sentences are not always as simple as three-word sentences.
In this post we’ll review what simple sentences are, the parts of a simple sentence, and different ways to create simple sentences.
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What We Review
The Basics of Simple Sentences
What are Simple Sentences?
A simple sentence is a sentence containing only one clause, or more specifically, an independent clause, with a subject and a predicate.
A simple sentence is typically made up of a subject, verb, and object, or SVO, and creates a complete thought; however, since a simple predicate is a verb or verb phrase only, a simple sentence can also be made up of only a subject and verb (SV).
Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)
- Jessie ate dinner.
Subject + Verb (SV)
- Jessie ate.
Both of these examples are grammatically correct simple sentences, but including an object helps to clarify the full idea of the sentence.
Despite their name, simple sentences can include things that are not so simple. Let’s review the use of modifiers, compound subjects, and compound verbs/predicates in simple sentences.
Modifiers in Simple Sentences
Modifiers are words or phrases that can be included in simple sentences to add more detail. Let’s see how we can modify the simple sentence used above:
- Jessie ate dinner.
Adding Articles/Adjectives
- The hungry Jessie ate a large dinner.
Adding Adverbs
- The hungry Jessie quickly ate a very large dinner.
Adding a Prepositional Phrase
- The hungry Jessie quickly ate a very large dinner after a long day at work.
All of these examples still qualify as simple sentences, because they are all independent clauses that convey a complete thought.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself how the sentence is changed as a result of a modifier.
Compound Subjects in Simple Sentences
Compound subjects are two or more nouns or pronouns sharing the same verb. They are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.
Compound Subjects Using Coordinate Conjunctions
- Jessie and Jade ate dinner.
- Jessie or Jade ate dinner.
- Jessie, Jade, and Titus ate dinner.
Compound Subjects Using Correlative Conjunctions
- Both Jessie and Jade ate dinner.
- Neither Jessie nor Jade ate dinner.
Even with two or more simple subjects, these examples are independent clauses conveying a complete thought, so they are still simple sentences.
Compound Verbs/Predicates in Simple Sentences
Compound verbs, or compound predicates, are two or more verbs/predicates that share the same subject. This may be written as simply as a subject performing multiple verbs (simple predicates) or, more elaborately, as a subject performing multiple complete predicates. The compound verbs/predicates are joined by a conjunction.
Compound Verbs/Simple Predicates
- Jessie cooked and ate dinner.
- Jessie rinsed and washed the dishes.
Compound Predicates
- Jessie ate dinner and washed the dishes.
- Jessie cooked dinner and rinsed the dishes
Again, these examples are all independent clauses conveying a complete thought. So even with multiple verbs, a sentence can be a simple sentence.
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Tips for Using and Identifying Simple Sentences
Tip #1: Subject + Verb + Object (SVO) Simple Sentences Can be Arranged in Different Ways.
While a simple sentence is typically expected to contain a subject, verb, and object, this does not always mean that the subject will be the first thing we see in a sentence. When we place parts of the predicate at the beginning of the sentence or ask a question, the standard SVO arrangement of a simple sentence will vary.
Placing a Part of the Predicate Before the Subject
When the predicate, or verb + object portion of the sentence contains a prepositional phrase or adverb, they can appear at the beginning of the sentence followed by a comma. Check out the following examples to see sentences in both their standard forms and rearranged forms:
Prepositional Phrase:
- We completed our homework after school.
- After school, we completed our homework.
Adverb:
- I ran quickly to the store.
- Quickly, I ran to the store.
Asking a Question
Sentences that ask a question are called interrogative sentences, and they are often simple sentences. Some questions start with the main verb or part of the verb phrase. Look at the examples below to see the placement of the verb in both a question and the statement form of the question:
- Will it rain tomorrow?
- It will rain tomorrow.
- Has the race been postponed?
- The race has been postponed.
- Were you sick today?
- You were sick today.
Tip #2: Avoid using too many basic simple sentences in your writing.
Remember, basic simple sentences are the first type of sentence we learn how to write. So it’s probably safe to assume that filling our writing with three or four word sentences is not the best idea. Too many simple sentences close together can sound choppy and disconnected. Always revise your work to see where simple sentences can be edited to create more sophisticated writing.
Combine Simple Sentences
If you have a string of very basic simple sentences in your writing, you can probably combine some of those sentences into compound sentences.
Choppy:
- He loves baseball. He first played little league baseball. He joined the baseball team in middle school.
Revised:
- He loves baseball and played little league before joining the baseball team in middle school.
Tip #3: Add more detail.
There’s nothing wrong with using simple sentences in your writing, but you can (and should) use modifiers to enhance simple sentences when possible.
Basic Simple Sentence:
- I visited Chichén Itzá.
Revised:
- On my vacation to Mexico, I visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.
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Applying the Basics: Simple Sentences Review & Practice
Now that you understand what simple sentences are, and how to use them properly in your writing, let’s practice identifying them. Remember, a simple sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause, or one complete thought.
Simple Sentences Exercises & Review
Complete the quick exercise below to assess your mastery of simple sentences.
Determine if the sentence is a simple sentence or not.
1. I finally received my passport for our trip overseas.
- Simple Sentence
2. Last week, she told the funniest joke in the middle of the meeting.
- Simple Sentence
3. Tim went to the store, and he bought a new laptop for school.
- Not a Simple Sentence
4. Julie and Paige went to the amusement park and rode a rollercoaster.
- Simple Sentence
5. I was exhausted after working all day.
- Not a Simple Sentence
For additional practice, check out the Simple Sentences content on Albert.
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Try for Yourself: Simple Sentences Quiz
Feeling confident in your understanding of Simple Sentences?
Take this short quiz to see what you’ve learned:
1. Can a simple sentence have more than one subject?
- Answer: Yes
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one subject, or a compound subject, if they are sharing the same verb. The subjects are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one subject, or a compound subject, if they are sharing the same verb. The subjects are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.
2. Can a simple sentence be a single dependent clause?
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence must be a single independent clause in order to be a simple sentence. It is a complete thought and can stand alone. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought. A simple sentence must be a single independent clause in order to be a simple sentence. It is a complete thought and can stand alone.
3. Can a simple sentence have more than one verb?
- Answer: Yes
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one verb (compound verb/simple predicate) or more than one complete predicate (compound predicate) if they share the same subject. They are combined using a conjunction.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one verb (compound verb/simple predicate) or more than one complete predicate (compound predicate) if they share the same subject. They are combined using a conjunction.
4. Does a simple sentence always start with the subject?
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can start with part of the predicate. This might be a prepositional phrase, and adverb, or a question.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can start with part of the predicate. This might be a prepositional phrase, and adverb, or a question.
5. Is the following example a simple sentence?
After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice, and she prepared for her performance.
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one predicate when that predicate shares the same subject. In this sentence, there are two independent clauses: After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice. She prepared for her performance.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one predicate when that predicate shares the same subject. In this sentence, there are two independent clauses: After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice. She prepared for her performance.
6. Is the following example a simple sentence?
Jim and Amy thoroughly cleared out the basement and hired contractors for a remodel.
- Answer: Yes
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have compound subjects and compound predicates as long as they form one complete thought. The subjects share the predicates, and the predicates share the subjects. In this case, the compound subject “Jim and Amy” share the compound predicates “thoroughly cleared out the basement” and “hired contractors for a remodel.”
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have compound subjects and compound predicates as long as they form one complete thought. The subjects share the predicates, and the predicates share the subjects. In this case, the compound subject “Jim and Amy” share the compound predicates “thoroughly cleared out the basement” and “hired contractors for a remodel.”
For additional practice with simple sentences, check out our completely free practice on Albert.io: Simple Sentences.
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Teacher’s Corner for Simple Sentences
While it’s true that simple sentences are a foundational grammar skill, the Common Core English Language Progressive Skills Chart shows that even elementary-level skills “require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.”
For specific standards addressing simple sentences, check out the Common Core State Standards site!
Albert’s grammar course is 100% free, and the Simple Sentences practices can be used for much more than homework!
Our assessments can be used as pre-and post-tests to measure student progress. Our pre-made quizzes can be used as bell-ringers, exit tickets, and more!
In addition to our pre-made assessments, you can also use our assignments feature to create your own quizzes and assessments.
Summary on Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are sentences containing one independent clause, with a subject and a predicate.
Modifiers, compound subjects, and compound verbs/predicates can be used in simple sentences.
The standard arrangement of a simple sentence is subject + verb + object, or SVO order. This can vary by arranging parts of the predicate before the subject.
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FAQs
What are 10 examples of simple sentences? ›
- Does he play tennis?
- The train leaves every morning at 18 AM.
- Water freezes at 0°C.
- I love my new pets.
- They don't go to school tomorrow.
- We drink coffee every morning.
- 7.My Dad never works on the weekends.
- Cats hate water.
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
What is a simple sentence short answer? ›A simple sentence is an independent clause that conveys a single, complete thought. Unlike a complex sentence, a simple sentence does not contain dependent or subordinate clauses.
What are the 4 types of simple sentences with examples? ›| form | example sentence (clause) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | declarative | John likes Mary. |
| 2 | interrogative | Does Mary like John? |
| 3 | imperative | Stop! Close the door. |
| 4 | exclamative | What a funny story he told us! |
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers. However, it contains only one independent clause. Here are a few examples: She wrote.
A SIMPLE SENTENCE has one independent clause. Punctuation note: NO commas separate two compound elements (subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, subjective complement, etc.) in a simple sentence.
How do you use simple sentences? ›A simple sentence expresses one complete thought and must have a subject and a finite verb. Example: The girl rode her bicycle to school. The first thing to remember is that the subject is always a noun or a pronoun. A simple sentence can have several nouns or pronouns but only one subject.
How do you explain a simple sentence to a child? ›Lesson Summary
Simple sentences are sentences that only have a subject and a predicate, and they express one complete thought. Simple sentences are made up of one independent clause and contain no dependent clauses. Dependent clauses can have a subject and a simple predicate, but are not complete sentences.
Three essential types of sentence are declarative sentences (which are statements), interrogative sentences (which are questions), and imperative sentences (which are orders).
What is simple sentence for kids? ›A simple sentence has a subject and ONLY ONE verb: The girl sprinted after the tiger. The cat purred.
What are the 4 structures of simple sentences? ›
There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.
What type of sentence is this a simple sentence? ›Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains a single independent clause—that is, a subject and a predicate that form a complete thought: It is an ice cream cone. The girl bought an ice cream cone.
- Declarative Sentence.
- Imperative Sentence.
- Interrogative Sentence.
- Exclamatory Sentence.
The five-sentence elements are subject, verb, object, complement, and adjunct (SVOCA).
How many words can a simple sentence be? ›How Long Should a Sentence Be? Sentences are usually between 15–20 words. Thirty words is a long sentence and should be considered the maximum. Short sentences can quickly and reliably relay information.
Can one word be a simple sentence? ›A sentence word (also called a one-word sentence) is a single word that forms a full sentence.
What are 30 examples of compound sentences? ›- I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
- Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
- Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came last.
There is no such thing as an “ideal” sentence length. The very best writing always shows a variety of sentences, ranging from very short (one word!) to rather long (as many as 50 words or even more).
What are the 7 types of sentences? ›Answer: There are 8-types of sentences on the basis of function and structure are Declarative Sentence, Interrogative Sentence, Exclamatory Sentence, Imperative Sentence, Simple sentence, Compound Sentence, Complex sentence, and Compound -Complex sentence.
How long is a simple sentence? ›What makes a sentence simple is not its length but the presence of one and only one independent clause. BTW, all four types of sentences can be short or long like the above simple sentences.
What are the three characteristics of a simple sentence? ›
- Simple sentences have only an independent clause.
- Simple sentence can have simple or compound subjects and simple or compound predicates.
- Simple sentences can be long or short.
A simple sentence is made up of only one independent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and forms a complete thought when standing alone.
How do you combine two simple sentences? ›- comma and a conjunction ("and," "but," "or," "for," or "yet")
- semicolon and a transitional adverb, like "therefore," "moreover," or "thus"
- semicolon (;)
- colon (:)
Functions of Simple Sentences
Use simple sentences when presenting a limited amount of information. Although simple sentences may be shorter, they are not any less academic than other sentence types.
A simple sentence is defined as a sentence with one independent clause containing a subject and a verb. The absence of a dependent or subordinate clause usually indicates no need for a comma.
What is a simple sentence for Grade 1? ›A simple sentence is a sentence that consists of one clause, with a single subject and predicate. They will often consist of a subject and one verb.
What is a simple sentence for kindergarten? ›Small Sentences for Kindergarten
The apple is red. I have 5 flowers. The ball is green. I like to play.
The non-basic simple sentences are formed by altering the basic sentences in a number of ways as in interrogative, imperative, exclamatory and negative sentences.
What is an example of a simple sentence according to structure? ›Simple Sentence
“I like coffee” and “Dave works at the library” are both examples of simple sentences. They each contain one subject (I and Dave) and one verb (like and works).
- I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
- Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
- Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came last.
What are 5 simple sentences with so? ›
[M] [T] She had changed so much that I couldn't recognize her. [M] [T] I never imagined so many people would come to my party. [M] [T] He hurried to the station so he wouldn't miss the train. [M] [T] It was so noisy there that I couldn't make myself heard.
What is an example of a complex sentence? ›A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause with one or more subordinate clauses. We use complex sentences when we want to provide more information to support our point. For example, 'Salihah didn't get a treat after dinner, because she didn't do her homework on time'.
What's a complex sentence? ›A complex sentence is an independent clause (a sentence that can stand on its own) with 1 or more dependent clauses added (dependent clauses can't stand on their own as a sentence).
What are 30 examples of complex sentences? ›- Wherever you go, you can always find good people.
- I ate the meal that you cooked.
- Although he was rich, he was still unhappy.
- When she was younger, she believed in Santa Claus.
- Although it was very long, the movie was still entertaining.
- I enjoyed the apple pie that you bought for me.
A simple sentence is typically made up of a subject, verb, and object, or SVO, and creates a complete thought; however, since a simple predicate is a verb or verb phrase only, a simple sentence can also be made up of only a subject and verb (SV).