The Simple Sentence

Definition of sentence
A sentence is a word or a set of words that represents a complete thought by making a
statement/order, asking a question, or proclaiming. The sentence is a two/part structure that
consists of a noun phrase (NP) and a verb phrase (VP). The noun phrase serves as the
sentence’s topic. The predicate is the verb phrase. The subject of a sentence can sometimes be
hidden, but the verb must be apparent and present. The heart of a phrase is the verb.

Type of sentences
Sentences may be divided into simple, compound, complex, and composite.
The Compound Sentence
There must be more than one independent clause in a compound sentence and
no dependent clauses. To connect these clauses, specific conjunctions, punctuation, or both
are used.
Like for example: I always wanted to become a librarian, and she wanted to
become a model. (Two independent clauses – two verbs)

Complex sentence
A complex sentence can have multiple clauses, but only one of them must be
an independent clause, and the others must be dependent clauses. There are also some specific
connectors for linking the clauses of a complex sentence.
For example: I know that you always wanted to be a model. (In this example, a
dependent clause is followed by a connector and an independent clause. The other way around
is also possible.)

Composite sentence
A composite sentence is one that contains two ore more subject-predicate groups and
is made up of two or more clauses. A clause resembles a simple sentence in structure, but
unlike a simple sentence, it is part of a larger syntactical unit.

The Simple Sentence

In a simple sentence there is only one primary or independent clause, and no
dependent or subordinate clauses. This short and independent grammatical unit, which
consists of a subject and a predicate, is intended to convey a complete notion or meanings of
an idea.
A clausal sentence is another name for a simple sentence. Aside from the subject, verb,
and object, it could have a modifier. Despite its simplicity, it occasionally contains compound
verbs and subjects. It may or may not use commas, but the structure is kept simple.
Example for simple sentences:
She is a student.
She studies literature.
She studies literature at Sapientia Hungarian University of
Transylvania.

Types of Simple Sentence

Simple sentences can be divided into two categories. Depending on the structures,
these include:
Compound Verbs and Compound subjects - A single subject and two or more verbs
can be found in some sentences. A single verb and two or more subjects are used in other
sentences. For example: The cat moaned and purred. (Compound verb)
Peter and Paul went up a hill. (Compound noun)

Single subject and a Single Verb – The simple sentence in this type has only one
subject and one verb. For examples: The band performed well.

Function of Simple Sentence

One of the four basic sentence structures is the simple sentence. It’s a
straightforward statement. It serves as a means of communication by supplementing both the
speaker’s and the listener’s existing knowledge. It is sometimes used as a wise saying or a
proverb by writers and speakers. In written works, the simple sentence eliminated boredom
and choppiness. By providing a limited amount of information in a short and precise manner,
it also improves clarity, accuracy, and the smooth flow of reading and speaking.
It can function, like the other types of sentence, in four ways:
• Declarative sentence: I am very happy today. /I want to be a
good soccer player.
• Imperative sentence: Please sit down. / I need you to sit down
now!
• Interrogative sentence: Do you know her?
• Exclamatory sentence: I cannot believe she would do that!
Representation of the Simple Sentence
References:

1 – English Syntax (Theory and Practice) by Dr Budai László főiskolai tanár, tankönyvkiadó,
Budapest, 1981
2 – Sentence: Definition & Types, by LearnGrammar.Net Sentence: Definition & Types |
Learn English (learngrammar.net)
3 - Simple Sentence - Examples and Definition of Simple Sentence (literarydevices.net)
4 - The composite sentence (studfile.net)
5 - Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences - Grammar - Academic Guides at Walden
University