Sentence Parts and Types

Sentence Structure Lesson

Subjects

Nouns and pronouns that take verbs

Example

Robert asked for his late work.

It was late when we got home.

Lime green is my favorite color.

Predicates

Actions (verbs) in the sentence

Examples

Jane cried.

Marcus was talking.

The rain ended the baseball game.

Objects

Nouns that do not take predicates (verbs).

Examples

He kicked the can.

She threw the paper ball at Eric.

Charity is important to humanity.

Complete SentencesEach needs a subject and a predicate. Imperative sentences (commands) do not

need subjects.Subjects are on the left, predicates are right.

ExamplesShe runs.Stop.I am.Bob went to school, but Kyle stayed home.

Compound Subjects & Predicates

Sentences can have more than one subject and/or predicate.

Chris and I studied.

Jane swept and vacuumed.

She and I ate pizza and watched movies.

Longer Sentences

Sentences may have more than one set of subjects and predicates.

I went home and my mom yelled at me.

She threw the ball at me but I dropped it.

I had a headache until I took a nap.

Your Turn!

1. Underline subjects.

2. Circle predicates.

3. Double-underline objects.

1. Sean went home and did his homework.

2. He turned in his homework on time.

3. The teacher graded it for an A+!

1. Underline subjects.

2. Circle predicates.

3. Double-underline objects.

1. Sean went home and did his homework.

2. He turned in his homework on time.

3. The teacher graded it for an A+!

Sentence Types

Sentence Structure Lesson

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence is one independent 

clause  - a group of words that can stand 

alone as one sentence.

The sentences we’ve been working with so far are simple sentences.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences (independent clauses) joined by a comma and a coordinating  conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but,  or, yet, and so) or by a semicolon. 

• Each part of the compound sentence will be able to stand on it’s own as a complete sentence.

• These sentences need a conjunction to be compound sentences; otherwise, they are run-ons and grammatically incorrect.

ExampleCompound Sentences• They got there early, so they got really

good seats.

• I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.

• Italy is my favorite country; in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there next year.

Complex Sentences

• When you join a dependent clause to an  independent clause, you form a complex  sentence. Complex sentences contain a  relative pronoun such as that, which and  who. They may also contain a subordinat-ing conjunction such as after, although, because, before, until, when, since, and while. 

Complex Sentences

• Because I have to babysit after school, I rarely have time to hang out with my friends.

• Babysitting earns me extra money that I use to buy clothes and see movies.

Your turn!

• Get out your Stellaluna exercises from yesterday. Work on:

1.Identify a compound or complex sentence in the story. Underline subjects, circle predicates, and double underline objects.

2.Combine 2 sentences from the story, creating either a compound or complex sentence.

• Independent clauses, Dependent Clauses

1.Trees are found almost everywhere because they grow in all climates.

2.Whereas some trees have many uses, others are simply beautiful.