Understanding Sentence Parts
Sentence parts are the building blocks of proper writing. As a paraprofessional, you need to understand how sentences are constructed to help students with their writing and to effectively communicate in educational settings.
What are Sentence Parts?
Sentences are composed of different components that work together to express a complete thought. The main parts include:
- Subjects and Predicates
- Independent and Dependent Clauses
- Phrases
Subjects and Predicates
The Two Essential Parts of a Sentence
Every complete sentence must contain two essential parts:
- Subject: The person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about
- Predicate: What is said about the subject (contains the verb and related elements)
Simple Subjects and Predicates
Simple Subject
The simple subject is the main word or noun phrase that the sentence is about, without any modifiers.
- The excited students rushed to the playground.
- My brother’s new bicycle is blue.
Simple subject: students
Simple subject: bicycle
Simple Predicate
The simple predicate is just the main verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject does or is.
- The children played in the park.
- The teacher has been grading papers all weekend.
Simple predicate: played
Simple predicate: has been grading
Complete Subjects and Predicates
Complete Subject
The complete subject includes the simple subject plus all its modifiers and related words.
- The tall girl with red hair won the spelling bee.
Complete subject: The tall girl with red hair
Complete Predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb plus all its complements, objects, and modifiers.
- The dog barked loudly at the mailman.
Complete predicate: barked loudly at the mailman
Compound Subjects and Predicates
Compound Subject
A compound subject contains two or more subjects that share the same predicate.
- Tom and Jerry chased each other around the house.
Compound subject: Tom and Jerry
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate contains two or more predicates that share the same subject.
- The athlete trained for months and won the gold medal.
Compound predicate: trained for months and won the gold medal
Clauses
What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a predicate. There are two main types of clauses:
- Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a complete sentence
- Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence
Independent Clauses
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
- The students completed their projects.
- I enjoy reading mystery novels.
Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Types of Dependent Clauses:
1. Adverb Clause – Functions as an adverb, answering questions like when, where, why, or how.
- Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
- We will go to the beach if the weather is nice.
2. Adjective Clause – Functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun.
- The book that I borrowed from the library was very informative.
- Students who complete all assignments will receive extra credit.
3. Noun Clause – Functions as a noun (subject, object, or complement).
- What she said surprised everyone.
- I don’t know whether he will attend the meeting.
Sentence Types Based on Structure
Simple Sentence
Contains only one independent clause.
- The dog barked.
- Jennifer and David went to the store.
Compound Sentence
Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.
- The sun was shining, but the air was cold.
- I studied all night; I still failed the test.
Complex Sentence
Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
- The project will succeed if everyone cooperates.
Compound-Complex Sentence
Contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
- When the bell rang, the students packed their bags, and they rushed out of the classroom.
Common Sentence Errors
1. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks a subject, a predicate, or a complete thought.
Fragment: Because it was raining heavily.
Correction: Because it was raining heavily, we canceled the picnic.
2. Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Run-on: The test was difficult many students failed.
Corrections:
- The test was difficult, and many students failed.
- The test was difficult; many students failed.
- The test was difficult. Many students failed.
3. Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when only a comma separates two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Comma Splice: She studied all night, she passed the exam.
Corrections:
- She studied all night, and she passed the exam.
- She studied all night; she passed the exam.
- She studied all night. She passed the exam.
Practice Exercises
Identify the Sentence Parts
1. The energetic puppy chased the colorful ball across the green lawn.
Show Answer
- Complete subject: The energetic puppy
- Simple subject: puppy
- Complete predicate: chased the colorful ball across the green lawn
- Simple predicate: chased
2. After the storm ended, the children and their parents cleaned up the yard.
Show Answer
- Dependent clause: After the storm ended
- Independent clause: the children and their parents cleaned up the yard
- Compound subject: the children and their parents
- This is a complex sentence.
Identify the Sentence Type
3. The movie was boring, so we left early.
Show Answer
Compound sentence: Contains two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction “so”
4. When the power went out, we lit candles, and everyone told ghost stories.
Show Answer
Compound-complex sentence: Contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause
Correct the Errors
5. Because the team practiced every day.
Show Answer
Fragment – This is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.
Correction: Because the team practiced every day, they won the championship.
6. The students finished their projects they presented them to the class.
Show Answer
Run-on sentence – Two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunction.
Correction: The students finished their projects, and they presented them to the class.
Key Points to Remember
- Every complete sentence needs a subject and a predicate.
- Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
- Dependent clauses cannot stand alone and must be connected to independent clauses.
- The four sentence types are simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
- Common sentence errors include fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.