Simple Sentences: Definition, Types and How to Write with Examples

Simple sentences are the most basic sentences that are easy to read. “I am writing this guide” is a simple sentence that clearly explains the meaning of this sentence. It is the most common way to start communication with anyone. Even your daily communication also starts with a simple sentence.

In a recent research, literacy in the United States was categorized by the National Center for Education Statistics into different literacy levels, with 92% of American adults having at least "Level 1" literacy in 2014.

In this guide, I discuss each and everything related to simple sentences including:

What are simple sentences
Syntax structure of a simple sentence
How to write simple sentences
Tips to write simple sentences
Additional example for writing simple sentences

Let’s start reading!

What are simple sentences?

I love mango ice cream,” “I wake up early in the morning,” and “My nephew likes Spiderman cartoons” are all examples of simple sentences. Each has a clear meaning. Simple sentences have a specific grammatical structure: they consist of a single independent clause with one subject and one predicate (verb). There are no dependent clauses in it and are used to convey straightforward ideas.

For example:

The roses look beautiful.
She loves painting.

These types of sentences are included in simple sentences.

Syntax structure of a simple sentence

“Bird flu is a common disease” but this sentence is not clear or meaningful. it does not specify where the disease is common or in whom.

So, a sentence is not complete without a proper structure. The rule for simple sentence structuring is:

Subject + Verb + Object

Subject is the person, place or thing.
Verbs are actions.
Object is a thing that is affected by the action.

How to write a simple sentence along with examples

After having a complete knowledge of what simple sentences are, and their rules to structure a sentence. Here are some steps for writing a simple sentence along with examples:

1. Subject + Verb (Predicate)

“Ken paints”, "She mopped” and “it is amazing” In these sentences, a subject starts with a name or pronouns such as (he, she, it, I, we, they, you). The action that the subject performs is predicate. It is a crucial element in simple sentence structuring. Simply they are short in length but clear to understand.

Let’s have an example:

She sings. She is a subject and her action of singing is a predicate.

2. Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)

The second step of a simple sentence writing involves the subject performing an action on an object. In this structure there is an addition of objects only to make the sentence more meaningful.

For example:

Benzen drank coffee. Benzen is the subject, drink is the verb and coffee is the object.

3. Subject + Verb + Complement

She is a role model for youngsters. In this sentence, the girl, as a role model for youngsters, is receiving a compliment. The subject is associated with a compliment (usually an adjective or noun) that provides more information about her.

For example:

The three milk cakes tasted delicious. In this sentence the three milk cakes tasted delicious, adding a complement.

4. Subject + Verb + Adverbial

The adverbial adds more clarity related to information. Like my mother met her friend yesterday. In this sentence the more contextual element is that the subject performs an action with an adverbial (e.g., time, place, manner).

For example:

The car suddenly stopped due to brake failure. Here, “suddenly” is an adverb that describes how the car stopped due to the brake failure.

Tips to write simple sentences more easily

As you know, there are many types of sentences that are used in writing. From simple to compound and compound to compound-complex sentences there are some specified rules to follow.

Remove the unnecessary details that can make the sentence complex.
Use common words that are easy to understand. It’s good to add easy synonyms in sentences.
Try to make short length sentences that have more readability.
Write in active voice sentences to enhance the clarity.
Take care of using clauses and tenses correctly.
Proofread your sentence to avoid mistakes.
Re-create your sentences by using a sentence rewriter tool. This tool finds mistakes and rewrites them for you.

Additional examples for more clarity

Let’s have some additional examples that clarify the concepts of simple sentences.

Example 1

These examples use objects (meal and hard) directly in the sentences.

The chef prepared a meal.
Alex works hard.

Example 2

These examples of simple sentences using noun phrases (herself and solution).

She considers herself a role model.
We found the solution a bit complicated.

Example 3

These examples of simple sentences with subject complements (interesting and unexpected).

The book seems interesting.
His reaction was unexpected.

Example 4

These are the examples of simple sentences which are using adverbial complements (hard and loudly).

She worked hard.
They sang loudly.

Final words

When writing simple sentences, it is crucial to understand their basic rules. Although they are clear and straightforward, there is still much to learn about them.

By following this guide, you will understand that simple sentences consist of only independent clauses, which helps keep them short and meaningful. While creating simple sentences may seem easy, there are techniques to write them appropriately.

So. start practicing today and enhance your writing skills with simplicity!

Frequently asked questions

What is the syntax structure?

Syntax structure is the formation of sentences according to grammatical rules. It is fixed and not modified by individuals.

What is a simple sentence by adding compliments in it?

An example of “The cake looks yummy”, “He painted the fence smoothly.” yummy and smoothly words are compliments in it.

What are the subject and verb in the sentences?

The subject is said to be the performer of the action while action is an act that is done by the subject.