Sentence Structure: Parts, Rules, Types and Examples
Learn the basics of sentence structure with this informational guide. Discover the key parts, rules, and types of sentences to make your writing more meaningful.
A good sentence structure follows the SVO pattern. Do you know what SVO is all about? Which are the essential things that compliment SVO in a simple sentence structure?
According to NCES (The Nation's Report Card), students using varied sentence structures score 14% higher on reading comprehension tests.
If you are not familiar with SVO, don't worry, we have you covered. In this guide you will learn how to structure a sentence more effectively, and:
- What is a sentence structure
- Basic parts of a sentence
- Rules for structuring a sentence
- Types of sentence structure and their examples
So, let’s begin!
What is sentence structure?
A sentence is a combination of words, phrases, and clauses. Sometimes a clause is dependent, and sometimes it is independent. Sentences can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.
The subject and verb are always the core of a sentence, and it is essential for a sentence to have both. The main purpose of the subject and verb is to ensure that the sentence is easily understood by everyone.
Such as:
- The subject (who or what the sentence is about)
- The verb (what the subject does or is)
For example, in the sentence "The book is interesting," "The book" is the subject, and "is interesting" is the verb.
The structuring of a sentence includes numerous elements, such as word order, SVO (subject + verb + object), punctuation, and the use of conjunctions. Using them helps you clarify what you want to communicate in your sentence.
6 basic parts of a sentence structure
Sentences are composed of various parts. These parts help you write a sentence more effectively so that your readers can understand easily. Just like the adverbs in a sentence add more clarity and support a sentence. Here, the main parts include:
1. Subject
A sentence is incomplete without a subject. Actually, the subject is the main thing in a sentence that it always have. Such as a person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action in a sentence. It's typically a noun or pronoun and is usually found at the beginning of a sentence. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about.
For example: "The bird sleeps on the windowsill."
In this sentence:
“The bird” is the subject.
2. Verb
Do not play this game. This sentence includes an action. The action within this sentence is the “Verb”. A verb is a word that expresses an action, or happening of anything. It's a crucial part in sentence structuring that tells us what the subject is doing. Just like a subject, the verb is an integral part of a sentence. A sentence isn’t complete without a verb. The verbs are necessary in a sentence and you have to use it for completing a sentence.
Example: "Anna writes stories every day."
In this sentence:
“writes” is the verb or represents that action.
3. Imperative sentences
Can you lend me your phone for a party? This sentence has a request related to borrowing a cell phone for a party. Imperative sentences are used to make a request or give a command. It usually starts with a verb and often doesn't have a visible subject. And here the implied subject is typically "you."
Example: "Close the door, please."
In this sentence:
“Close the door, please” is an imperative sentence that has a command or request.
4. Direct object
Bella plays with a doll! Pointing out to someone that he/she is doing something includes a direct object. Where, a sentence also has some nouns and pronouns. A direct object is that noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb. It answers the question "what?" or "whom?" in relation to the verb. The direct object is acted upon by the subject.
Example: "Jack ate an apple."
In this sentence:
“an apple” is the direct object of the verb “ate.”
5. Indirect object
Last night my mother surprised me by giving me a necklace. The action of doing work and the involvement of verbs clarifies the sentence accordingly. In this sentence the indirect object is a noun or pronoun that tells to whom the action of the verb is done. It is usually written before the direct object in a sentence and is used with verbs like give, tell, or send.
Example: "Dad gave me a present."
In this sentence:
Here, “me” is the indirect object, and “a present” is the direct object.
6. Subject and object pronouns
He gave a signatured football to his fans. The use of I, we, he, she, it, etc in a detailed information without repetitively using the name of a subject or object referred to subject and object pronouns. Besides this, the subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) replace the subject noun in a sentence. Object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) replace the object noun. They help avoid repetition and make sentences clearer.
Example: "She gave it to them."
"She" is a subject pronoun, while "it" and "them" are object pronouns.
4 types of sentence structure
There are four main sentence structure types that we use in English. Let's read them in detailed explanation:
1. Simple sentences
Simple sentences are easy to read and have one independent clause with a subject and a verb. They are simply short in length and easy to understand.
Example:
- The sun shines brightly.
- Trees grow tall in the forest.
- Children play in the park.
2. Compound sentences
Compound sentences have two or more independent clauses. Each clause stands alone as a simple sentence, but it joints them with words like "and," "but," or "or."
These connecting words are called coordinating conjunctions that show ideas in a sentence.
Example: The sun shines brightly, and the birds sing in the trees.
3. Complex sentences
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause can't explain the complete meaning of a sentence.
It usually starts with words like "because," "when," or "although." These sentences help us show how one idea depends on another. They're best at explaining reasons or conditions.
Example: When the bell rings, students rush out of the classroom.
4. Compound-complex sentences
Compound-complex sentences are the most complicated type. It has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
From other types of sentences, this one lets us express multiple related ideas and show how they are structured. They're useful for explaining complex situations or telling stories with lots of details.
Example: Although it's raining, we'll still go to the park, and we'll bring umbrellas to stay dry.
4 rules of sentence structuring
Rules are crucial in structuring a sentence and making it meaningful. The 4 rules for sentence structuring are:
- Subject-verb rule (SV) means the subject and verb in a sentence are the same in number. Such as, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
For example: Subject / Verb rule
“The goats are grazing” in this sentence, goats are the subject and grazing is a verb.
- Creating complete sentences is another rule and must have a subject and a predicate in it.
For example: Subject / Predicate rule
Subject is (who or what the sentence is about) and a Predicate (what the subject does or is).
“Tania can draw”
In this sentence “Tania” is the subject and “can draw” is the predicate.
- Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) rule explains who is doing what to whom. This rule can make sentences more clear and easy to understand.
For example: Subject / Verb / Object
“Lipa does not like pumpkin”
Here, “Lipa” is subject, “does not like” is verb and “pumpkin” is object.
- Subject-Verb-Indirect Object-Direct Object rule clarifies the sentence that what is going on, the direct questioning and the answer to the action.
For example: Subject / Verb / Indirect Object / Direct Object
The multinational company offered me a project.
In this sentence, “the multinational company” is the subject, “offered” is the verb, “me” is the indirect object and “a project” is the direct object.
Above mentioned types, rules and examples will help you to understand more about how you can make a complete structure by following a sentence structure.
Otherwise, there is an online tool sentence rewriter that works on advanced NLP algorithms and ML. It helps you make sentences according to what you want. It cares about the sentence structure and regenerates sentences with more clarity.
Final words
It is important to include all the necessary parts like the subject verb and object while writing the sentence. It adds clarity in your words so that you can explain information in a better way.
By learning the parts, rules, and types, you can create sentences more easily. Moreover, with practice, you’ll become a good writer.
Do not be confused at all? Our guide on sentence structure explains everything!
So, let’s start making your writing more effective!
Frequently asked questions
What is the sentence structure of English grammar?
Sentence structure in English grammar refers to how words are organized to form a complete sentence. It includes elements like subjects, verbs, and objects.
How can I create complete sentences?
A complete sentence needs two things: a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject does or is). It should also express a complete thought, avoiding fragments that could confuse readers.
What should I remember about using punctuation in sentence structure?
Punctuation marks like periods, commas, and question marks are essential in guiding readers through your sentences. They tell readers when to pause, stop, or change their tone, making your writing clearer and more engaging.
Additional information
- Declarative Sentences: A Complete Guide + 10 Examples
- Interrogative sentences: A Complete Guide, Structure + Examples
- Exclamatory Sentences: Types, Uses + 10 Examples
