How to make a simple sentence with a word

1. What is a Simple Sentence?

A simple sentence is the most basic sentence that we have in English. It has just one independent clause, which means only one subject and one predicate. A simple sentence is also the shortest possible sentence; it can have as little as two words!

Overall, a simple sentence is exactly what it sounds like—simple!

A simple sentence can be very short, but some are long too, so long as they only have one subject-verb combination. Here, the subjects are orange and the verbs are green.

• I ate.
• I ate dinner.
• I ate dinner with my brother and sister.
• Last night, I ate dinner at a restaurant with my brother and sister.

As you can see, even though some of these sentences are long, each only has one subject and one verb (one clause).

3. Parts of Simple Sentences

All sentences have one main important part: an independent clause. Sometimes, they also include other words, like objects and/or modifiers.

a. Independent Clause

An independent clause has a subject and a predicate and makes sense on its own as a complete sentence. In fact, an independent clause itself is a simple sentence! Here are a few:

• The cat ate.
• He ate ice cream.
• He went to the beach.
• The wolf ate steak at the zoo.

So, you can see that all of the clauses above work as sentences. All sentences have an independent clause, but all simple sentences have ONE independent clause.

B. Objects

An object is the word affected by the verb or preposition in a sentence. Objects are usually nouns or pronouns that answer questions like “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when?” Here, the objects are purple.

• The dog ate bacon. What did the dog eat?
• The dog ate bacon at the park. Where did he eat it?
• I took my dog to the park. Who did you take there?
• We went to the park yesterday. When did you go?

So, you can see that the highlighted objects answer the questions above. They make the sentences more informational than they would be without objects.

c. Modifiers

A modifier is an adjective or adverb that “modifies” other words in a sentence to make it more descriptive. They help give a clearer idea about the things in the sentence. Here, the modifiers are gray. Let’s start with a simple sentence:

The panda ate corn.

Now, let’s add modifiers:

The fat panda quickly ate the buttery corn.

Modifiers make the sentence more detailed. We now know that the panda was fat, that he ate quickly, and that the corn was buttery! Modifiers can make sentences much more interesting.

4. Types of Simple Sentences

There aren’t exactly different “types” of simple sentences, but they can be written in different ways. As mentioned, sometimes they are very short, or sometimes they include modifiers or objects that make them longer.

a. Simple Sentence with ONLY a Subject and a Verb

As mentioned, simple sentences are the shortest possible complete sentences. You can have a simple sentence with only a simple subject and a predicate, using only two or three words, like this:

• I see.
• He ran.
• We looked.
• They cooked.
• The dog ate.
• The baby cried.

Though only two or three words, these are all independent clauses, so they work on their own as complete sentences!

b. Simple Sentence with other Objects or Modifiers

Not all simple sentences are short. So long as it only has one subject and one predicate, a simple sentence can actually be pretty long. Take a look at the extra words in these examples:

• I see you behind the cotton candy machine!
• He ran to the fair as fast as possible.
• We ate buttery corn at the famous farmer’s market.
• They prepared cotton candy in an old-fashioned machine.

So, a simple sentence can use lots of modifiers and objects to add details, while at the same time only describing one subject doing one thing.

5. How to Avoid Mistakes

The most important thing to remember about simple sentences is that they never have more than one subject or more than one predicate. In other words, there is only one subject doing one thing. A simple sentence CAN have a compound subject (two people using the same verb), but that’s still just one subject.

• (WRONG) Maria went to the market and bought an apple. One subject, two verbs
• (WRONG) Sandy drove to the market and the dog went with her. Two subjects, two verbs
• (CORRECT) Jose went to the market. One subject, one verb
• (CORRECT) Maria and Jose went to the market. One compound subject, one verb

When you start adding more independent or dependent clauses to a sentence, you get a compound, complex, or compound-complex sentence. BUT, a simple sentence is just simple—one subject, one predicate.

English is a complicated language with so many rules that it can be difficult for beginners to know where to start. In this blog post, we will give you a few tips on how to make a sentence in English. By following these simple steps, you will be able to create correctly-formed sentences and improve your understanding of the language. So, let’s get started!

Making a sentences is very simple, you just have to followed this 5 steps guide to make a perfect sentences. Let us first discuss about some important terms:

What is a Sentences?

A sentence is a phrase which having a subject and predicate. It is also called as a complete thoughts. A sentence also has a full stop. To use a sentences it must have more than one words. Sentence is a group of words that have some sense or meaning.

It is not a difficult task to make a sentences. A sentence is the most important part of any compositions or writings. It shows that how well you can arrange your words and can express your thoughts. It is also the most important items in English Grammar.

Types of Sentences

There are three types of sentences:

a) Simple sentence:

It’s a sentence which contains one clause. It is also called as independent clause.

• I like to watch TV.

It is a simple sentence because it has one subject(I) and predicate (like to watch TV).

b) Compound sentence:

A compound sentence is a sentences which contains two or more independent clause.

• I like to watch TV and my favorite programs are comedy shows.

This is a compound sentences because it has more than one independent clause.

c) Complex Sentence:

At first a complex sentence seems as a compound sentence from outside, but from inside it has at least one dependent clause.

• When I go home, I watch my favorite TV shows.

This is a complex sentence because it has one independent clause and one dependent clause “When I go home”

Structure of a Sentence

A sentence must have a subject and predicate. We can make a long sentences or short sentences as we like to express our feelings and thoughts. But according to English Composition, a sentence must have more than one word.

Subject?

Subject is the part of sentence which describes who or what about in the sentence. For example; “I”, “the dog”, “the cats”. A Subject is a word or a group of words that tells about who or what the sentence is about. The subject is one of the most important part in making a sentences.

Predicate?

Predicate is the part of sentence which tells about what has been done in the sentence. For example; “I am going”, “she is going”, “my dog run fast”. The predicate make a full sentence.

5 Steps to Make a Perfect Sentence

1) Convert Ideas into words:

The first step is to turn your idea into words. It is impossible to make a sentence without the right words so you must know what you want to say clearly inside your mind. Using an unknown or random word will reduce its effect and changing the feeling of the sentence so it would be meaningless.

2) Write down ideas with essential key words:

In this step, you have to write down the most essential key words. It is not necessary to use many words so if one word is enough for your sentence then it would be better. Also do not forget to use a brief and simple way of writing so it will be easy to read and understand by other people.

3) Create a comma to create two sentences:

After writing down the key words, you must use a comma so it will be easier for readers to understand the meaning of your sentence. A period is not recommend because it would impact your sentence in negative way. The purpose of using a comma is turn one sentence into two with different contents.

4) Place a command to complete your sentences:

In this step, you have to put a command from the key words that you have written. This is the last step but not least because it would create an effect on your sentence. A correct order of words and commands will lead your sentence into perfect one which is easy to read by other people.

5) Connecting parts of speech to complete your sentences:

The last step is to connect the key words and commands to form a sentence. It would be hard for readers if your sentences are not connected so it must be connected carefully. A right connecting words should be used, otherwise it would lead your sentence into wrong direction.

Now you know how to make a sentence in 5 steps, try it now!

Common FAQs!

What are Parts of a Sentences?

Parts of sentences are called sentence elements. There are eight parts of sentence which are found in every sentence. There are four parts of a sentence which are mandatory and four other parts that would be chosen as the writer like to choose them.

a) Four Mandatory Parts of a Sentences:

1. Subject
2. Predicate
3. Command
4. Object (optional)

b) Four Choices of Parts of a Sentences:

1. Adverb
2. Adjective
3. Appositive
4. Conjunction (optional)

Do verbs create sentences?

Yes, verbs can create sentences and it is one of the basic parts of speech to make a sentence. Verbs are used to show action so if you want to say “I walked” then you must use a verb “walked”.

Do prepositions create sentences?

Prepositions are not commonly used to create sentences but it can help to create one. Prepositions are used to show purpose, location and direction so it is a part of speech that you have to remember when making a sentence.

Do adjectives create sentences?

Adjectives are one of the most important parts of speech which can create sentences by itself. Adjectives are used to describe nouns, pronouns and other parts of speech. Without adjectives, your sentences would be meaningless.

Can a sentence have two verbs?

Yes, it is possible for a sentence to have two verbs. Using two verbs in one sentence will create different meaning so you should choose the right verb that can be separated into two sentences.

About Author

Simi

Meet Simeron Khan, an experienced ESL teacher with a passion for guiding students towards fluency in English. With a knack for making even the most complex grammar rules accessible and enjoyable, Simeron has helped countless learners achieve their language goals.

Do you remember the first time you learned how to write a sentence? Most of us are taught how to put three words together to make sentences in kindergarten: I like dogs. She eats cookies. Games are fun! Sound familiar? These three-word sentences are one of the most basic types of simple sentences, and they serve as a foundation to forming more complex sentences. However, simple sentences are not always as simple as three-word sentences. 

In this post we’ll review what simple sentences are, the parts of a simple sentence, and different ways to create simple sentences. 

Once you’re feeling confident, test yourself with a post-assessment quiz and practice with our high quality, standards-aligned questions here.

The Basics of Simple Sentences

What are Simple Sentences?

A simple sentence is a sentence containing only one clause, or more specifically, an independent clause, with a subject and a predicate. 

A simple sentence is typically made up of a subject, verb, and object, or SVO, and creates a complete thought;  however, since a simple predicate is a verb or verb phrase only, a simple sentence can also be made up of only a subject and verb (SV).

Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)

• Jessie ate dinner.

Subject + Verb (SV)

• Jessie ate.

Both of these examples are grammatically correct simple sentences, but including an object helps to clarify the full idea of the sentence.

Despite their name, simple sentences can include things that are not so simple. Let’s review the use of modifiers, compound subjects, and compound verbs/predicates in simple sentences.

Modifiers in Simple Sentences

Modifiers are words or phrases that can be included in simple sentences to add more detail. Let’s see how we can modify the simple sentence used above:

• Jessie ate dinner.

Adding Articles/Adjectives

• The hungry Jessie ate a large dinner.

Adding Adverbs

• The hungry Jessie quickly ate a very large dinner.

Adding a Prepositional Phrase

• The hungry Jessie quickly ate a very large dinner after a long day at work.

All of these examples still qualify as simple sentences, because they are all independent clauses that convey a complete thought.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself how the sentence is changed as a result of a modifier.

Compound Subjects in Simple Sentences

Compound subjects are two or more nouns or pronouns sharing the same verb. They are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.

Compound Subjects Using Coordinate Conjunctions

• Jessie and Jade ate dinner.
• Jessie or Jade ate dinner.
• Jessie, Jade, and Titus ate dinner.

Compound Subjects Using Correlative Conjunctions

• Both Jessie and Jade ate dinner.
• Neither Jessie nor Jade ate dinner.

Even with two or more simple subjects, these examples are independent clauses conveying a complete thought, so they are still simple sentences.

Compound Verbs/Predicates in Simple Sentences

Compound verbs, or compound predicates, are two or more verbs/predicates that share the same subject. This may be written as simply as a subject performing multiple verbs (simple predicates) or, more elaborately, as a subject performing multiple complete predicates. The compound verbs/predicates are joined by a conjunction.

Compound Verbs/Simple Predicates

• Jessie cooked and ate dinner.
• Jessie rinsed and washed the dishes.

Compound Predicates

• Jessie ate dinner and washed the dishes.
• Jessie cooked dinner and rinsed the dishes

Again, these examples are all independent clauses conveying a complete thought. So even with multiple verbs, a sentence can be a simple sentence.

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Tips for Using and Identifying Simple Sentences

Tip #1: Subject + Verb + Object (SVO) Simple Sentences Can be Arranged in Different Ways.

While a simple sentence is typically expected to contain a subject, verb, and object, this does not always mean that the subject will be the first thing we see in a sentence. When we place parts of the predicate at the beginning of the sentence or ask a question, the standard SVO arrangement of a simple sentence will vary.

Placing a Part of the Predicate Before the Subject

When the predicate, or verb + object portion of the sentence contains a prepositional phrase or adverb, they can appear at the beginning of the sentence followed by a comma. Check out the following examples to see sentences in both their standard forms and rearranged forms:

Prepositional Phrase:

• We completed our homework after school.
• After school, we completed our homework.

Adverb:

• I ran quickly to the store.
• Quickly, I ran to the store.

Asking a Question

Sentences that ask a question are called interrogative sentences, and they are often simple sentences. Some questions start with the main verb or part of the verb phrase. Look at the examples below to see the placement of the verb in both a question and the statement form of the question:

• Will it rain tomorrow?
• It will rain tomorrow. 
• Has the race been postponed?
• The race has been postponed.
• Were you sick today?
• You were sick today.

Tip #2: Avoid using too many basic simple sentences in your writing.

Remember, basic simple sentences are the first type of sentence we learn how to write. So it’s probably safe to assume that filling our writing with three or four word sentences is not the best idea. Too many simple sentences close together can sound choppy and disconnected. Always revise your work to see where simple sentences can be edited to create more sophisticated writing.

Combine Simple Sentences

If you have a string of very basic simple sentences in your writing, you can probably combine some of those sentences into compound sentences.

Choppy:

• He loves baseball. He first played little league baseball. He joined the baseball team in middle school.

Revised:

• He loves baseball and played little league before joining the baseball team in middle school.

Tip #3: Add more detail.

There’s nothing wrong with using simple sentences in your writing, but you can (and should) use modifiers to enhance simple sentences when possible.

Basic Simple Sentence:

• I visited Chichén Itzá.

Revised:

• On my vacation to Mexico, I visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.

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Applying the Basics: Simple Sentences Review & Practice

Now that you understand what simple sentences are, and how to use them properly in your writing, let’s practice identifying them. Remember, a simple sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause, or one complete thought.

Simple Sentences Exercises & Review

Complete the quick exercise below to assess your mastery of simple sentences.

Determine if the sentence is a simple sentence or not.

1. I finally received my passport for our trip overseas.

• Simple Sentence

2. Last week, she told the funniest joke in the middle of the meeting.

• Simple Sentence

3. Tim went to the store, and he bought a new laptop for school.

• Not a Simple Sentence

4. Julie and Paige went to the amusement park and rode a rollercoaster.

• Simple Sentence

5. I was exhausted after working all day.

• Not a Simple Sentence

For additional practice, check out the Simple Sentences content on Albert.

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Try for Yourself: Simple Sentences Quiz

Feeling confident in your understanding of Simple Sentences?

Take this short quiz to see what you’ve learned:

1. Can a simple sentence have more than one subject?

• Answer: Yes
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one subject, or a compound subject, if they are sharing the same verb. The subjects are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one subject, or a compound subject, if they are sharing the same verb. The subjects are joined using coordinate or correlative conjunctions.

2. Can a simple sentence be a single dependent clause?

• Answer: No
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence must be a single independent clause in order to be a simple sentence. It is a complete thought and can stand alone. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought. A simple sentence must be a single independent clause in order to be a simple sentence. It is a complete thought and can stand alone.

3. Can a simple sentence have more than one verb?

• Answer: Yes
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one verb (compound verb/simple predicate) or more than one complete predicate (compound predicate) if they share the same subject. They are combined using a conjunction.
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one verb (compound verb/simple predicate) or more than one complete predicate (compound predicate) if they share the same subject. They are combined using a conjunction.

4. Does a simple sentence always start with the subject?

• Answer: No
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can start with part of the predicate. This might be a prepositional phrase, and adverb, or a question.
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can start with part of the predicate. This might be a prepositional phrase, and adverb, or a question.

5. Is the following example a simple sentence?

After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice, and she prepared for her performance.

• Answer: No
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have more than one predicate when that predicate shares the same subject. In this sentence, there are two independent clauses: After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice. She prepared for her performance.
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have more than one predicate when that predicate shares the same subject. In this sentence, there are two independent clauses: After eating breakfast, Hayley went to dance practice. She prepared for her performance.

6. Is the following example a simple sentence?

Jim and Amy thoroughly cleared out the basement and hired contractors for a remodel.

• Answer: Yes
• Correct Explanation: That’s right! A simple sentence can have compound subjects and compound predicates as long as they form one complete thought. The subjects share the predicates, and the predicates share the subjects. In this case, the compound subject “Jim and Amy” share the compound predicates “thoroughly cleared out the basement” and “hired contractors for a remodel.”
• Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. A simple sentence can have compound subjects and compound predicates as long as they form one complete thought. The subjects share the predicates, and the predicates share the subjects. In this case, the compound subject “Jim and Amy” share the compound predicates “thoroughly cleared out the basement” and “hired contractors for a remodel.”

For additional practice with simple sentences, check out our completely free practice on Albert.io: Simple Sentences.

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Teacher’s Corner for Simple Sentences

While it’s true that simple sentences are a foundational grammar skill, the Common Core English Language Progressive Skills Chart shows that even elementary-level skills “require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.” 

For specific standards addressing simple sentences, check out the Common Core State Standards site! 

Albert’s grammar course is 100% free, and the Simple Sentences practices can be used for much more than homework! 

Our assessments can be used as pre-and post-tests to measure student progress. Our pre-made quizzes can be used as bell-ringers, exit tickets, and more! 

In addition to our pre-made assessments, you can also use our assignments feature to create your own quizzes and assessments.

Summary on Simple Sentences

Simple sentences are sentences containing one independent clause, with a subject and a predicate.

Modifiers, compound subjects, and compound verbs/predicates can be used in simple sentences.

The standard arrangement of a simple sentence is subject + verb + object, or SVO order. This can vary by arranging parts of the predicate before the subject.

Practice makes perfect! Use our Simple Sentences practice on Albert’s completely free grammar course!

Need help preparing for your Grammar exam?

Albert has hundreds of grammar practice questions with detailed explanations to help you master concepts.

Simple sentences are the most basic kind of sentence. They contain only one clause, a group of words containing a subject, verb and object.

How to form the simple sentences? See the below examples:

1. Dogs bark. (Subject + verb)
2. Cats meow. (Subject + verb)
3. I can sing very well! (Subject + infinitive)
4. My friend is running fast! (Subject + present participle)

What is a simple sentence and its types?

A simple sentence is a basic sentence that contains a subject and a verb. The subject is the person or thing doing something, and the verb shows the action taken. Simple sentences can be made longer by adding more information to them.

There are many different types of simple sentences, but some of the most common include:

• Declarative sentences state facts or opinions. Example: “The sun rises in the east.”
• Exclamatory sentences express strong feelings or emotions. Example: “Wow!”
• Imperative sentences give commands or directions. Example: “Close the door.”
• Interrogative sentences ask questions. Example: “Do you like tea?”
• Informational sentences provide information about things. Example: “This is a pen.”

Examples of Simple Sentences

1. I want to go home.
2. My dog is black and white.
3. They are going to the store with me today.
4. It’s raining outside right now.
5. I like chocolate ice cream better than vanilla ice cream.
6. The sun is shining bright in the morning today.
7. I like ice cream.
8. I have a dog named Princess.
9. We live in New York City.
10. He is wearing a white shirt and black pants today.
11. They went to the park yesterday after dinner.
12. My son loves to play baseball with his friends.
13. The cat is sleeping on the couch.
14. The dog is jumping in the pool.
15. I like cookies and milk for a snack.
16. Mommy loves me very much!
17. I work at a bank.
18. I went to the store.
19. My name is John Smith.
20. The sun is hot today.
21. We have a big house.
22. We drove all night
23. You’re late again!
24. The dog barked for a long time.
25. The dog ran around the yard.
26. The cat meowed loudly when I petted it.
27. My brother likes to eat peanut butter sandwiches.
28. I like to go to the mall.
29. My grandmother loves to bake cakes.
30. Grandpa enjoys fixing things around the house
31. They don’t have any money to pay the bill.
32. I am eating an apple.
33. The dog chased the cat up the tree.
34. We went camping last weekend.
35. You must learn how to drive before you get your license.
36. We need more time for our homework.
37. The man is running.
38. The man runs.
39. I like apples a lot.
40. You should not smoke in public places.
41. My friends are coming over today at 5 PM.
42. We had a good time at the party.
43. Did you hear about the new restaurant?
44. It sounds like it will be awesome!
45. He eats meat.
46. She is a doctor.
47. The chair is made of wood.
48. We are in the library right now.
49. We are going to the store tomorrow.
50. My brother’s name is Mark.
51. I am taking an English class.
52. My sister loves chocolate cake.
53. I love chocolate.
54. She goes to school every day.
55. He is a good student.
56. We like to read books in our spare time.
57. The teacher teaches us math every day at school.
58. My dog likes to eat chicken.
59. My brother is tall and handsome.
60. It’s time for bed now.
61. The cat is sleeping on the pillow.
62. My sister likes to play the piano.
63. My mother cooks delicious meals every day.
64. Grandma has a new puppy named Charlie!
65. John will be home soon.
66. I like tea.
67. My favorite color is blue.
68. My favorite book is Diary Of A Wimpy Kid.
69. She got a new car.
70. My brother is taller than me.
71. The test was easy today!
72. I love pizza!
73. I am a man.
74. You are a woman.
75. It was hard to do, but he did it well.
76. We were ready to go out for dinner.
77. I am an English teacher.
78. My name is Mary Smith.
79. My desk is in the classroom next door.
80. The trees outside my window are green and full of leaves.
81. There are many different kinds of birds singing in the trees.
82. I woke up early this morning.
83. I went to bed late last night.
84. The cat sat on the mat.
85. The duck swam in the pond.
86. The horse ate hay at the barn.
87. My favorite movie is Titanic.
88. My birthday is on May 15th!
89. I’m sorry.
90. You look great today!
91. You deserve better than this.
92. I need help with my homework.
93. I have a book on my desk.
94. We went to Paris last year.
95. The sheep grazed on grass in the field.
96. The cow chewed her cud in the corral.
97. A duck laid an egg.
98. Let’s get ready for bed.
99. I am writing a book.
100. The dog is eating my homework.
101. I want a cookie.
102. The cat purred.
103. The chicken clucked.
104. We laughed at the silly animal sounds.
105. We read a picture book about animals.
106. I’m going to grow up and have a farm.
107. Hooray for making silly noises together!
108. You are the best mom ever!
109. Thank you for being my friend!
110. We did it!
111. I am proud of you!
112. Let’s have fun!
113. You make me happy!
114. You are so helpful!
115. I like your smile!
116. You are so sweet!
117. I miss you.
118. You’re funny.
119. I need you in my life.
120. I want to be with you forever.

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