Sentence structure is the way words and phrases are arranged to create complete sentences. It includes rules for subjects, verbs, objects, and other parts of speech. Understanding sentence structure helps you form clear and correct sentences in English.
Basic Sentence Parts
The main parts of a sentence are the subject, verb, and object (if needed).
- The subject is who or what the sentence is about.
- The verb shows the action or state of being.
- The object receives the action (not all sentences have an object).
Example:
- Subject: She
- Verb: eats
- Object: apples
- Sentence: She eats apples.
Types of Sentences
English has four main types of sentences, each serving a different purpose.
. Declarative (Statements)
- Make a statement or provide information.
- End with a period ( . ).
Example: She likes chocolate.
. Interrogative (Questions)
- Ask a question.
- Begin with a question word (who, what, where, etc.) or aux verb (do, is, are, etc.).
- End with a question mark ( ? ).
Example: Do you like chocolate?
. Imperative (Commands)
- Give a command or request.
- The subject (you) is usually implied.
- End with a period ( . ) or exclamation mark ( ! ).
Example: Eat your chocolate.
. Exclamatory (Strong Emotion)
- Express strong feeling or emotion.
- End with an exclamation mark ( ! ).
Example: What a delicious chocolate!
Sentence Patterns
English sentences often follow these common patterns.
- S + V: She sleeps.
- S + V + O: He reads books.
- S + V + C: They are happy.
- S + V + O + O: I gave her a gift.
- S + V + O + C: We call him John.
What is the pattern of the sentence: 'She writes letters'?
S + V + O
The sentence has a subject, verb, and object ('letters'), so it follows the S + V + O pattern.
Using Modifiers
Modifiers add more detail to a sentence. They can be adjectives, adverbs, phrases, or clauses.
Adjectives
- Describe nouns.
- Come before the noun or after a linking verb.
Example: The blue sky is clear. / The sky is blue.
Adverbs
- Describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Often end in -ly.
Example: She sings beautifully.
Phrases and Clauses
- Can act as modifiers to add information.
Example: The man who is wearing a hat is my uncle.
Common Mistakes
. Missing Subject or Verb
- Every sentence must have a subject and a verb.
Incorrect: Runs fast.
Correct: He runs fast.
What is missing in this sentence: 'She quickly.'?
A verb
The sentence has a subject and adverb but lacks a verb to show action.
. Sentence Fragments
- Incomplete sentences lacking a main clause.
Fragment: Because I was late.
Complete: I missed the bus because I was late.
. Run-On Sentences
- Two or more complete sentences joined without proper punctuation.
Run-on: I like tea I drink it every morning.
Correct: I like tea. I drink it every morning.
How can you fix the run-on sentence: 'She writes letters she sends them daily'?
Add a period: 'She writes letters. She sends them daily.'
Separating the two independent clauses with a period corrects the run-on.
Summary
- Sentences have subjects and verbs (and sometimes objects).
- Four types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory.
- Common patterns help structure sentences.
- Modifiers add detail.
- Avoid missing subjects/verbs, fragments, and run-ons.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
