Simple Sentence is the most basic type of sentence structure in English. It consists of only one independent clause, meaning it has a single subject and predicate and conveys a complete idea. A simple sentence lacks subordinate or additional clauses, making it a very basic but essential language unit.
Characteristics of a Simple Sentence
- One Clause: Contains only one complete independent clause.
- Basic Structure: Typically follows the subject + predicate pattern.
- Conveys a Complete Idea: Provides clear information or a statement without needing additional clauses.
- No Subordinate Clauses: Does not include any subordinate clauses or links to other clauses.
Structure of a Simple Sentence
- Subject + Predicate:
- Subject: The person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action or is the topic of the sentence.
- Predicate: The main verb that explains what the subject does or the subject’s condition.
- Subject + Predicate + Object (if present):
- Direct Object: What or whom directly receives the action of the verb.
- Indirect Object: To whom or for whom the action is performed.
Examples of Simple Sentences
Subject + Predicate
- She laughs.
- The sun rises.
- Birds sing.
Subject + Predicate + Direct Object
- She reads a book.
- Subject: She
- Predicate: reads
- Direct Object: a book
- Tom eats an apple.
- Subject: Tom
- Predicate: eats
- Direct Object: an apple
Subject + Predicate + Indirect Object + Direct Object
- She gives him a gift.
- Subject: She
- Predicate: gives
- Indirect Object: him
- Direct Object: a gift
- They sent us a letter.
- Subject: They
- Predicate: sent
- Indirect Object: us
- Direct Object: a letter
Subject + Predicate + Direct Object + Indirect Object (with a preposition)
- She made a cake for her friends.
- Subject: She
- Predicate: made
- Direct Object: a cake
- Indirect Object: for her friends
In-Depth Explanation
- Subject: Indicates the main actor or topic of the sentence. In a simple sentence, the subject can be:
- Single Noun: The cat sleeps.
- Plural Noun: The dogs bark loudly.
- Noun Phrase: The new student joined the class.
- Predicate: Part of the sentence containing the verb, describing the action or state of the subject.
- Simple Verb: She smiles.
- Verb with Adverbial Phrase: He runs quickly.
- Direct Object: Identifies what directly receives the action of the verb. This is an optional element in a simple sentence.
- She reads a book. – a book is the direct object of reads.
- Indirect Object: Identifies to whom or for whom the action is done. This is also optional.
- He gave his friend a present. – his friend is the indirect object receiving the action.
Use of Simple Sentences in Context
Simple sentences are often used to:
- Convey Basic Information: Provide straightforward facts or information.
- Give Commands or Instructions: Close the door.
- Express Feelings or Opinions: I love chocolate.
Simple Sentence Exercises
- Sentence: The dog barks loudly.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: Lisa and Tom are reading a book.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: She sings beautifully.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: The baby sleeps soundly.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: They went to the park.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: John eats breakfast every morning.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: The sun rises in the east.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: Mary writes in her journal daily.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: The children played outside all afternoon.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
- Sentence: The cat chased the ball.
- a. Identify the subject.
- b. Identify the predicate.
Answers
- Sentence: The dog barks loudly.
- a. The subject is The dog.
- b. The predicate is barks loudly.
- Sentence: Lisa and Tom are reading a book.
- a. The subject is Lisa and Tom.
- b. The predicate is are reading a book.
- Sentence: She sings beautifully.
- a. The subject is She.
- b. The predicate is sings beautifully.
- Sentence: The baby sleeps soundly.
- a. The subject is The baby.
- b. The predicate is sleeps soundly.
- Sentence: They went to the park.
- a. The subject is They.
- b. The predicate is went to the park.
- Sentence: John eats breakfast every morning.
- a. The subject is John.
- b. The predicate is eats breakfast every morning.
- Sentence: The sun rises in the east.
- a. The subject is The sun.
- b. The predicate is rises in the east.
- Sentence: Mary writes in her journal daily.
- a. The subject is Mary.
- b. The predicate is writes in her journal daily.
- Sentence: The children played outside all afternoon.
- a. The subject is The children.
- b. The predicate is played outside all afternoon.
- Sentence: The cat chased the ball.
- a. The subject is The cat.
- b. The predicate is chased the ball.
Follow other English tutorials as well: What are Nouns and their Types, Understanding Regular and Irregular Verbs, Understanding Adjectives, Understanding Adverbs, Understanding Interjections, Definition and Use of Subject, Predicate, Object, Complex Sentences, Compound Sentences, Simple Present Tense, Simple Past Tense, Understanding Pronouns, Understanding Prepositions, Understanding Conjunction
Conclusion
Simple Sentence is a sentence consisting of one independent clause with the basic structure of subject + predicate. This sentence conveys ideas or information completely and clearly without the need for additional clauses. Understanding and using simple sentences is very important in everyday communication to convey messages effectively and easily to be understood.
Author at Media Aplikatif Sinergi
Lisna is an experienced practitioner of English in a foreign company. With a background in law and experience in English discussion groups during her university years, Lisna will guide you in learning English in an easy and enjoyable way. She has a passion for providing effective and beneficial learning materials.