simple sentences

(noun)

A single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.

Related Terms

  • imperative sentence
  • declarative sentence
  • interrogative sentence
  • exclamatory sentence
  • compound sentence
  • complex sentence
  • compound-complex sentence

Examples of simple sentences in the following topics:

  • Structure of a Sentence

    • Structural classifications for sentences include simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • As a writer, you can use simple sentences in this way.
    • When you do use one, try to insert a simple sentence after it.
    • The simple sentences might work in an introduction to begin to draw the parallel. 
    • Do I sound condescending because I'm using too many simple sentences?
  • Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

    • Here is an example of a simple sentence: "I love chocolate cake with rainbow sprinkles. " Simple sentences consist of a single independent clause with no subordinate clause.
    • Structural classifications for sentences include: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.
    • In this varied version, the first sentence is complex, and the second one is simple.
    • The third is again complex while the fourth is simple.
  • Components of a Sentence

    • For the purposes of understanding, we will start with basic ideas and simple examples.
    • The simple predicate refers to just the verb or verb phrase, linked to the subject, which tells what action is being performed by that subject.
    • In the examples above, "crossed," "works," and "is" are all simple predicates.
    • But just remember: the simple predicate is the action (verb or verb phrase) of a sentence.
    • in a sentence.
  • Structural Parallelism Within a Sentence

    • An unclear sentence rambles, drifting among unrelated topics in a haphazard and confusing fashion.
    • Parallelism is when elements of a sentence "echo" each other because they have similar form or structure.
    • Simple rewriting can often remedy errors in these types of sentences.
    • It would distort the meaning to change the sentence to this superficially parallel version:
    • The title sentence is a non-parallel statement.
  • Nouns as Subjects and Objects

    • Nouns can take on two different roles in a sentence: they can be subjects or objects.
    • In a sentence, the subject completes the action.
    • In a sentence, the direct object receives the action of the subject.
    • A simple way to identify whether a noun is a subject or an object in an active-voice sentence is to note where it is in the sentence.
    • In passive-voice sentences, the usual rules do not apply.
  • Appropriate Language

    • The writer's tone, which is conveyed through word choice and sentence structure, impacts the reader's response.
    • Longer words and sentences may confuse your readers, or can make the writing sound arrogant.
    • The second sentence, on the other hand, while less medically precise, is accessible to almost all readers.
    • The process of narrativization makes present, within a realm of the imaginary, a social and historical awareness that is unavailable within simple, material facticity
    • The title demonstrates an example of a sentence that is pretentious and jargon heavy.
  • Step 6: Editing and Proofreading

    • Editing looks at your work on a sentence-by-sentence level, considering ways to make everything you say as clear and precise as possible.
    • Writing that is clean, precise, and simple will always sound best.
    • If you think a sentence is too complicated, rephrase it so that it is easier to read, or break it into two sentences.
    • Consider the following sentences:
    • Some sentences do read better with them.
  • Structure of a Sentence

  • Precision

    • Here's an example of general and specific words in a sentence:
    • However, "murmured" gives the sentence a different feeling from "said."
    • For example, if you are writing a paper on best practices in business, you may write one of the following sentences:
    • Both of these sentences make the same statement, but they may not both be appropriate for your paper.
    • Sometimes it is best to keep your writing simple and precise.
  • Ending Punctuation

    • Recall that declarative sentences make statements and imperative sentences give commands.
    • (imperative sentence)
    • (declarative sentence containing an imperative statement)
    • (declarative sentence with a direct question)
    • (declarative sentence that includes an exclamation)
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