Sentence

SUBJECT Complete Grammar DATE: 2024

What Is A Sentence?
A sentence refers to a clause, word, phrase, or group of phrases, words, or
clauses that give a complete idea/thought. A sentence can give a statement, ask a
question, give a command, indicate an exclamation, express a wish or an
assertion, and could also show action performance. When writing, a sentence
always starts with a capital letter, and a full stop, exclamation, or a question
mark ends the sentence.

Characteristics of A Sentence
First and foremost, a sentence must have a capital letter at the start and a period,
exclamation mark, or question mark in the end. Secondly, a sentence should
express a complete thought or idea; otherwise, it is not a sentence. Lastly, it must
have a verb and a subject.

For example:

The happy father. (This is a phrase and isn’t a sentence since it doesn’t have a verb.
It does not state anything about the happy father; hence the phrase does not give
a complete thought. Remember, a phrase must give a complete thought or idea for
it to be a sentence.)

Examples of Sentences
The girl is cooking some stew. (This sentence shows a statement.)
Is it raining? (The sentence asks a question. It has a capital letter at the beginning
but ends with a period (question mark.))
What an incredible miracle! (The sentence ends with an exclamation mark as the
period.)
You must do it. (The sentence expresses a command.)

Sentence Structures
There are four structures, namely:
compound-complex sentences,

simple sentences,

complex sentences,

compound sentences.

Simple Sentences
These sentences have one clause (the independent clause.) The clauses usually
express just one idea/ thought. Additionally, these sentences only carry a single
verb.

Examples:

The maid is cooking.

Sam is sleeping.
Her mother is sweeping the house.

Compound Sentences
Compound sentences refer to sentences whose independent clauses are more
than one. Meaning, their minimum independent clauses are two, and they do not
have dependent clauses. These independent clauses are joined together using
conjunctions, or punctuation. The punctuation mark used is the semi-colon and
conjunctions include: and, but, yet, for, so, nor, and or.

Examples:

Michael studied at the US and Elizabeth studies in China. (The independent clauses
are “Michael studied at the US” and “Elizabeth studied in China” and are joined by
the conjunction “and”) They are independent clauses since they express a complete
idea.
Mary is cooking, but Moses is washing the dishes. (The sentence has two verbs
“cooking” and “washing,” hence two clauses. The clauses are joined together by
the conjunction “but”)
My vehicle broke down; I arrived late. (The semi-colon joins the clauses in this
sentence)

Complex Sentences
These sentences have a main clause and a dependent clause (at least one).
Additionally, complex sentences have to subordinate conjunctions which indicate
a dependent clause, such include, like because, after, as, although, how, before,
since, if, once, then, where, until, whether, that, till, and while.
Examples:

I missed my exam because I was late. (The independent clause is “I missed my

exam,” whereas the dependent clause is “because I was late” and the
subordinating conjunction is “because”)
I cooked hurriedly after his arrival. (“I cooked hurriedly” is the independent clause
whereas the dependent clause is “after his arrival” and “after” is the
subordinating conjunction)

Complex-compound Sentences
These sentences have multiple clauses, that is, a minimum of two
independent/main clauses and a minimum of one dependent clause.

Examples:

Mary didn’t sit the exam because she came late, so the teacher was angry. (The
independent clauses in this sentence are “Mary didn’t sit the exam” and “The
teacher was angry.” On the other hand, the dependent clause is “because she
came late” )
The teacher, who is on duty, is incompetent, but the principal is competent. (The
independent clauses are, “The teacher is incompetent” and “the principal is
competent.” “Who is on duty” is the dependent clause.”) In addition to subordinate
conjunctions, dependent clauses can also begin with relative pronouns like whose,
whom, who, which, and that.

Types of Sentences
There are four types of sentences, namely, imperative, declarative, exclamatory,
and interrogative.

Declarative Sentences
These sentences are the most common. They refer to sentences that make
statements, describe things/ people, and also express feelings /opinions. They
must end with a full-stop.

Examples:

Mary loves eating cookies. (Statement)

I am excited because of the upcoming sports day. (Feeling)
His wife is smartly dressed. (Describes a person)

Interrogative Sentences
These refer to sentences that help people ask questions. They must have a
question mark at the end. They can begin with words like do, why, what, how,
when, did, where.

Examples:

What is an interrogative sentence?

Did you complete your assignment?
Do you know the answers to the mathematics assignment?

Imperative Sentences
These are sentences that express a command, instruction, or request. They have a
full-stop at the end but could also have an exclamation mark in case of forceful
demands.

Examples:

Please give me some tea. (a request)

Stop it! (Command)
Close the door immediately after cleaning the house. (instruction)

Exclamatory Sentences
These are sentences that express emotions. They thus must have an exclamation
mark at the end.

Wow, he got a law degree!

What a great day!
How well she dances!
I can’t believe she is finally getting married!

A sentence refers to a clause, word, or a group of clauses or words that express a

complete thought. A sentence must begin with a capital letter and end with an
exclamation mark, full-stop or question mark) There are different types of
sentence structures and types and help in writing correct and complete sentences.

What is an Exclamatory Sentence?

Learn exclamatory definition, useful grammar rules and exclamatory sentence
examples with ESL pictures and video lesson.

An exclamative or exclamatory sentence is released because of, and expresses

strong emotion. An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotions, such as
excitement, emphasis, surprise, joy, …
Exclamatory examples:

I am angry!
You did a great job!
You won the price!
That is a huge whale!

How to Form Exclamatory Sentences?

In order to form Exclamatory Sentences, sentences must begin with “what” or
“how”, be non-interrogative, and contain a shift in the typical word order.

Using what a before a singular noun.

Form: What a/an + (adjective) + singular countable noun

Example:

What a gorgeous room!

Using what without a before an abstract noun or a plural noun

Form: What + adjective + uncountable/plural noun

Example:

What beautiful weather!

Using how before a modifying adjective, an adverb or a verb.

Form: How + adjective/adverb + subject + verb

Exclamatory examples:

How interesting this film is!

How well she sings!

Using so before an adjective or adverb to make exclamations or to express a

superlative idea.

Form: So + adjective/adverb

Example:

The meal was so good!

Such expresses the same idea as so, but it is used with nouns (with or without a
companion adjective)

Form:

Such a/an + adjective + singular countable noun

 Such + adjective + uncountable/plural noun

Exclamatory examples:

She’s such a quiet girl!

They are such kind people!

What is an Imperative Sentence?

Learn the imperative definition and how to use imperative sentences in English
with examples and ESL worksheets.

Imperative definition: Imperative sentences are used when we want to tell

someone to do something (telling people to do or not to do things).

We can use the imperatives to tell people to do or not to do things. They usually
don’t have a subject – they are addressed to the listener or listeners, whom the
speaker understands to be the subject.

In the imperative, we use the base form of the verb. Imperative clause usually
ends with a period (.), but it may also end with an exclamation point (!).

Imperative sentence examples:

Get out of my way!

Stop talking and open your book.
Go upstairs.
Brush your teeth.
Read the instructions.
Switch off your mobiles.
Don’t be late!

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Types of Imperative Sentences with Examples

Imperative Sentences are used for advice, suggestions, requests, commands,
orders, or instructions…, specifically as follows.

A request
Example: Please consider.

An invitation
Example: Come to my party.
A command/ direct/ order
Example: Wake up now!

An instruction
Example: Go straight ahead and turn left.

An advice
Example: Don’t eat too much.

A warning/prohibition
Example: Don’t touch me!

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Imperative Verbs
Positive imperatives use affirmative verbs in addressing the subject.

Negative imperatives do the opposite to the positives.

Examples:

Get up early – Don’t get up early

Park your car here – Don’t park your car here.
Post those letters – Don’t post those letters.

Imperative Verb: Do
We can use “do” or “just” to the beginning of the sentence, or the word “please”
to the conclusion – called softening the imperative – makes ​imperative sentences
more polite or conversational.

Examples:

Do sit down.
Do be quiet.

Imperative Verb: Let

Let is used to form first person and third person imperatives.

Example:

Let me see.
 Let’s go.

Compound-Complex Sentence
What is a Compound Complex Sentence?
It’s a sentence composed of two or more sentences joined by a conjunction, and
one or more of those sentences must be a complex sentence.

Otherwise, it’s a compound sentence comprising of a dependent or subordinate

clause.

Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences

They are used mainly to express complex thoughts or a sequence of events.
School books and novels are the main areas where compound-complex sentences
are applied on a large extent. Let’s look at the following examples to get to learn
what’s entailed in this type of sentence.

John doesn’t like novels since they are lengthy, so he doesn’t read them.

Here, the sentence is composed of a single dependent clause and exactly two
independent clauses. “Since they are lengthy” is a dependent clause that has to
depend on other clauses to express a complete idea. The other two clauses “John
doesn’t like novels” and “he doesn’t read them” are independent and can
describe a complete thought without depending on other clauses.

The parents started fighting, so the kids disappeared, and I was unable to
withstand, so I remained calm.

This sentence is composed of multiple clauses, but the rules are still the same.

The independent clauses are complete sentences, whereas dependent clauses are
incomplete.

The above examples use conjunctions to join the clauses together.

Components of a Compound-Complex Sentence

To differentiate a compound-complex sentence from another type of sentence is
very simple. You need to understand the components that make up a compound-
complex sentence and you are done. As said earlier, a compound-complex
sentence comprises multiple independent clauses plus a single dependent clauses.
Having this in mind, you need to learn a few things, and you will be well-
positioned to draft fascinating sentences without any grammatical errors.

Independent Clause
It does not depend on any other clause to express a thought as it is complete on
its own. It is composed of a noun phrase and a verb phrase. In this case, a noun
phrase is a subject, and the verb phrase is a predicate that modifies the subject.

In this type of sentence, the independent clauses are referred to as coordinate

clauses.

Coordinating conjunctions are used to link up two or more independent clauses,

as illustrated in the following examples:

Though he was late, James knew he had to complete the assignment, and he
quickly went to the study room.
She loves listening to music, but she can’t dance when music is played.

Here “and” and “but” are the conjunctions used to link up the independent
clauses in the above sentences.

Dependent Clause

It depends on other clauses to express a complete statement in a compound-

complex sentence. Just like independent clauses, dependent clauses are also
composed of a noun phrase and verb phrase, but they only meaningful when
linked with other clauses because they start with words such as if, while, because
among others.

In simple terms, they are designed to make a sentence much more meaningful.

In the example, “Though he was late” it describes why James was having a
problem completing the assignment. It’s is meaningless without depending on an
independent clause. The clause begins with the subordinate conjunction
“Though”.

Conjunctions

They are words that are used to link up an independent clause and any other
phrase to form a complex sentence. In a compound-complex sentence, the
dependent and independent clauses are linked up with conjunction. The
commonly used conjunctions are and, but, and or.

Coordinating conjunctions

They are designed to link up independent clauses and other simple phrases. The
most used coordinating conjunctions are so, or, for, but, yet, and, and nor.

Always include compound-complex sentences in your writing to make it

appealing and much more meaningful to your readers. By doing this you can be
sure to attract more readers to your content because it is interesting and
informative.
Interrogative Sentence
Interrogative Sentence Definition
What is an Interrogative Sentence?

It is a sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark. Just like any
other type of sentence, it has a subject and a predicate. In this kind of sentence,
the first verb precedes the subject.

Interrogative sentences present you the opportunity to gather information and

do away with confusion while at the same time allowing you to engage others in
a fascinating dialogue. They are also essential when it comes to writing as they
act as an organizational tool; for instance, you can structure questions as headers
and answer them to expound the idea in a more detailed manner, especially in
descriptive writing.

How to Formulate an Open-Ended Interrogative

Sentence?
Just like any other complete sentence in English, an interrogative sentence is
composed of a subject and a verb. The only difference is that the verb precedes
the subject. An example of this is:

Where is the venue?

Here “venue” is the subject, and “is” is the verb. The verb preceded the subject in
a straightforward question.

Open-ended questions in English start with a “question word.” For example,

who, when, how, what, where, why, whom, among others.

Every open-ended interrogative sentence begins with a question word followed

by a verb and a subject. Here are more examples of open-ended interrogative
sentences:

Where is your dad?

Why didn’t you go to school?
How old are you?
When was the last time you visited your grandmother?
Whom are you referring to?
Who are you staring at?

There are times when the question word acts as the subject of the sentence since
the subject is not specified. In other words, the answer to the question provides
the subject. For example:

Whose books are these?

To whom shall I hand over the badge?
Which is the shortest route to England?
Who is the best prayer in the English premier league?

In most cases, an interrogative sentence needs a helping verb. In such scenarios,

the subject comes in between the main verb and the helping verb. For instance:

Why did James wake up very early?

Where did I keep my wallet?
Why was she ill-tempered yesterday?
When did he start attending music lessons?

In the first sentence, the subject “James” is fitted in between the helping verb
“did” and the main verb “wake up.” This is usually the case with direct questions.

Other Forms of Interrogatives

Besides open-ended interrogative sentences, there are other forms of
interrogatives.

Yes/No Questions
These questions are supposed to be answered with a positive or negative. The
verb comes before the subject. For example:

Was the game interesting?

Were you very hungry?
Did the kids get home on time?

Alternative Interrogatives
They are “or” questions that are intended to offer multiple options in the context
of the question.

For example:

Is she okay, or should we take her to the hospital?

Is he stressed, or he isn’t in a good mood?
Is it that she was sick or she hadn’t prepared well for the test?

Compound Sentence
What Is a Compound Sentence?
A compound sentence is a sentence that uses comma, semicolon, or conjunction to
combine at least two independent clauses. An independent clause is a phrase that
can express a complete thought on its own. The clauses in a compound sentence
are independent, meaning they are complete sentences on their own, but they
have ideas that are closely related.

This is what differentiates compound sentence from the complex sentence as it

doesn’t have a dependent clause, unlike complex sentence which has one or more
dependent clauses and one independent clause. A dependent clause has to
depend upon other clauses to express a complete idea.

Compound Sentences and Implications

When commas, semicolons, and coordinators, also known as coordinating
conjunctions, are used to combine independent clauses, they do more than that.
They make your writing much more meaningful and have a good flow. The
coordinators used to connect independent clauses include for, so, yet, but, and,
or, and nor. The commonly used coordinating conjunctions are and, but, and or.

Let’s look at an example of how coordinating conjunctions make your writing

much more meaningful.

I think you can entertain the guests, but I won’t force you to do it.

In this example, ‘but’ is the coordinator that combines the two independent
clauses which are closely related. In this scenario, the person speaking is
proposing to the person being addressed that he/she can choose to entertain the
guests or not. In the absence of the coordinator ‘but’, the relationship between
the two isn’t evident, making the writing less meaningful and choppy.

A semicolon (;) is also used to combine the two clauses. If you use a semicolon to
combine the clauses, you will introduce a sudden pause, leading to a different
type of effect, as illustrated by the following example:

She confessed that she wanted to buy me a car; it afterward becomes evident that
she was not realistic.

Semicolon should only be used whenever independent clauses have something in

common, but you can contrast in a manner that you want to stand out. In the
above example, the contrast is that the person being addressed in the first clause
seemed realistic when she said she wanted to buy me a car, but the second clause
tells us that the person being addressed was not realistic. Coordinating
conjunction could have also been used to write the same sentence.

She confessed that she wanted to buy me a car, but it afterward becomes evident
that she was not realistic.
The meaning is still the same; the only difference is that the coordinator reduces
the impact of the second clause.

Compound Sentence Examples

I am very talented, yet I don’t make use of my talent.

In this sentence, “I am very talented” is the independent clause where the subject
is “I” and the verb is “am,” and there is an expression of a complete thought.

“I don’t make use of my talent” is also an independent clause where the subject is
“I” and the verb is “use,” and a whole idea is expressed.

Here “yet” is the coordinating conjunction, and a comma precedes it.

He is heading to attend a seminar, or he is heading to the neighbor’s house.

“He is heading to attend a seminar” is an independent clause where “He” is the

subject, “is heading” is the verb. Both the two clauses express a complete
thought.

“He is heading to the neighbor’s house” is the other independent clause where
“He” is the subject, “is heading” is the verb, and the clause is a complete sentence
on its own.

“or” is the coordinating conjunction used to combine the two clauses and is
preceded by a comma.

John wishes he could be literate, for all of his best friends are literate.

Here “John wishes he could be literate” is an independent clause where “John” is

the subject and “wishes” is the verb, and a complete idea is expressed.

“All of his best friends are literate” is an independent clause where “All of his best
friends” is the subject and “are” is the verb, and a complete thought is
communicated.

“For” is the coordinating conjunction used to link up the two clauses and comes
after the comma.

Jones loves to read novels, and he is going to the library in the afternoon.

“Jones loves to read novels” is an independent clause where “Jones” is the

subject, “loves” is the verb, and the clause expresses a complete sentence on its
own.

“He is going to the library in the afternoon” is also an independent clause where
“He” is the subject, “is going” is the verb, and a complete thought is expressed.
Here the coordinating conjunction “and” is used to join the two clauses and is
preceded by a comma.

Conclusion

Compound sentences are very fundamental when it comes to writing content, as

illustrated in the above-discussed examples. The great thing about compound
sentences is that they allow you to add additional information to your writing to
make it appealing and engaging for your readers. You need to master the usage
of these sentences, and you will be in a position to add them to your content. You
need to be conversant with the punctuation rules so that you don’t end up
inserting them where they are supposed to be.

Also, learn to use appropriate coordinating conjunctions when joining the

independent clauses together as this will ensure the exact meaning is retained.
Readers are always after a detailed and informative content which can only be
realized through the use of compound sentences.

Declarative Sentence Definition

A declarative sentence is a sentence that expresses a statement; in general, it
declares something. This type of sentence is used to convey a message, for
instance, expressing your opinion or view about a particular point. It is the most
common of all the four types of sentences.

The main aim of communication is to share information among the target

audience. Communication allows us to share our views, thoughts, opinions, and
plans, answer questions, and even tell other people about our desires.
Declarative sentences end with a full stop, unlike other types of sentences that
may end with an exclamation mark or a question mark.

Elements of a Declarative Sentence

The elements of a declarative sentence are not different from that of other
sentences: it contains a subject and a predicate.

Subject

A subject is the main message contained in a sentence. It can either be a noun or a

pronoun and in a declarative sentence, it comes before the main clause.

Predicate

A predicate is composed of a verb and any other information contained in a

sentence or clause.

Subject and predicate examples in a sentence:

 The cat is sited on a chair

Here the subject is “dog,” and the predicate is “is sited on a chair.”

Preparedness does away with anxiety when taking a test

Here the subject is “preparedness,” and the predicate is “does away with anxiety
when taking a test.”

Punctuation

Punctuation is what differentiates a declarative sentence from other types of

sentences. Declarative sentences end with a full stop, also known as a period.

Type of Declarative Sentences

Declarative sentences are always in the present tense and convey a direct
message. They can be simple or complex (compound). A simple sentence is
composed of a subject and a predicate.

Simple Declaretive Sentences

Examples of simple declarative sentences:

He plays.
She laughs.
The motorbike is grey.
James is happy.
He is four years old.
He loves music.
Donkeys are friendly.

Compound Declarative Sentences

A compound declarative sentence uses a comma and a conjunction to join two
phrases that are related. Also, the phrases can be linked together with a
semicolon, in the presence or absence of a transition word such as, therefore,
besides, however, among others.

Examples of compound declarative sentences:

He wanted to visit her grandmother, but she wanted to visit her aunt.
Jason wants to do well in his studies, yet he doesn’t work hard.
Demonstrations lasted for two days; the town was under siege.

Declarative Sentence Examples

Declarative sentences range from simple to more complex sentences. It is
important to note that all declarative sentences end in a full stop and are
enlightening statements. They can also be used to express an opinion.

It is a good day.
She loves listening to music; he dislikes watching movies.
My laptop is missing.
James is unwell; therefore, she is absent from school today.
The vegetables are greener after the rain.
His motorbike was brand new, and now it is missing.
My mum loves to dance, but my father prefers to listen to music instead.
The chief is in the midst of an important meeting.
My new skirt has black and white stripes.
My friends are heading to Australia for a vacation, and I am joining them there
afterwards.

Predicate
What is a Predicate?
A predicate is a sentence or clause that modifies a subject. A predicate can either
be a verb or a verb phrase plus any other modifier. If a predicate contains only a
verb or a verb phrase, it’s known as a simple predicate. If it contains either a verb
or a verb phrase plus any other modifier, it is known as a complete predicate. To
identify a predicate in a sentence is very simple since you only need to find out
what the subject does or what the subject is.

Here is an example where the predicate is a single verb

John walked.

Here “John” is the subject and “cried” is the verb. “walked” is the predicate of the
sentence.

A predicate may also include modifiers that modify a subject (complete predicate)

John walked quickly.

In this example, “quickly” is an adverb that describes how john walked.

Predicate Examples
John walked faster than James.

In this sentence, “walked faster than James” is the predicate.

Joan recited a poem to her classmates.

Here “recited a poem to her classmates” is the predicate.

Predicate Examples in Sentences

Ann cried.
Ann cried loudly.
Ann cried loudly on her birthday.

The predicate in these examples all describe what the subject did.

Predicate Examples in Clauses

A predicate can be contained in an independent or dependent clause. All the

above are examples of predicates in independent clauses.

Let’s look at the examples of predicates in a dependent clause.

Here is an example:

Because she hadn’t cleared her school fees, Ann was not allowed to sit for her final
exam.

In this sentence, there are two predicates. The independent clause comes after a
comma and contains the predicate “was not allowed to sit for her final exam.”

“Because she hadn’t cleared her school fees” is the dependent clause and contains
the predicate “hadn’t cleared her school fees.” The subject here is “her school
fees.”

Types of Predicates
Simple Predicate
A simple predicate contains a single verb or verb phrase without any modifiers. It
can be used in a sentence as a single word. In this case, the word is a verb.

Jason laughed.

Here the predicate is a single word “laughed,” which is a verb.

Verb Phrase Predicates

A verb phrase can also be a simple predicate if it has no modifiers nor objects.

Jason has laughed.

In this example, “has laughed” is a simple predicate even though it’s a verb
phrase since it has no modifiers nor objects.
Multi-word Predicates
A predicate can also be more than one word. This will least include at least one
verb or verb phrase.

A predicate can also comprise multiple words, including a verb or a verb phrase.

Jason laughed at her sister’s birthday.

In this example, “laughed” is the verb (predicate) and “at her sister’s birthday.” is
the prepositional phrase.

Jason has laughed at her sister’s birthday.

Here we have a verb phrase “has laughed,” which is also the predicate and “at
her sister’s birthday.” is the prepositional phrase.

Compound Predicates
A compound predicate comprises of two or more verbs. It can take different
variations of predicates already discussed above, apart from the simple
predicate as long as it’s composed of two or more verbs.

Jason laughed and disappeared.

Here we have two verbs.

Jason has laughed and disappeared.

Here we have more than one verb and a verb phrase.

Jason laughed and walked away from her sister’s birthday.

Here we have more than one verb and multiple words.

Predicate Adjective
A predicate adjective tells more information about the subject of a verb. It comes
after a linking verb in a sentence.

Joyce is anxious.

Here, “Joyce” is the subject, and “is” is the linking verb. “Anxious” is an adjective
that modifies the subject “Joyce” and comes after the linking verb.

Abraham is handsome.

Here, the subject is “Abraham,” and the “is” is the linking verb. “Handsome” is an
adjective that modifies the subject “Abraham” and comes after the linking verb.
What is a Sentence Fragment?
Sentence Fragment Definition
A sentence fragment is a multiword that is similar to a sentence but it isn’t. It
begins with a capital letter and ends with punctuation but it is a dependent
clause. For a sentence to be complete it must have at least one independent
clause, otherwise, it is termed as a dependent. Independent clauses are groups of
words that contain a subject and a verb and can express a complete thought. For
example, ‘I like swimming’ is an independent clause because it has the subject “I”
and the verb “swimming”. Fragments may miss a subject, a verb or both.

Sentence fragments are composed of dependent clauses or phrases but lack

independent clauses. Sentence fragments can be easily mistaken with complete
sentences since they start with capital letters and end with a full stop. It is easy to
spot a fragment in a sentence since they never express a complete idea.

Where Fragments Appear in a Sentence

A sentence fragment can appear before the independent clause or after. For
example:

When we moved out. We met with friends.

‘When we moved out’ is a dependent clause and a sentence fragment because it

vividly comes from the independent clause that comes next. Therefore it should
read as follows;

When we moved out we met with friends or we met with friends when we moved
out.

Roles of a Sentence Fragment in a Sentence

There are several things that can lead to a sentence fragment resembling a
sentence even when it can’t relay a complete thought. These are as stated below;

A sentence fragment locates something at a specified time and venue with a

prepositional clause. However, it lacks a good subject-verb relationship in the
midst of an independent phrase. For example:

‘In the U.S during the festive season and just before new eve.’

The above fragment has neither a subject nor a verb but is playing a great role in
placing the readers in time and place.
Apart from locating something as revealed in the above example, a sentence
fragment also describes something without necessarily talking about the subject-
verb relationship.

Again, a sentence fragment may lack an –ing verb string which cannot form a
verb without being accompanied by the auxiliary form of a verb.

Subordinators in Fragments
A fragment like ‘when we moved out’ has a subordinator ‘when’ and clauses with
subordinators are referred to as subordinate clauses or dependent clauses.
However, when subordinate clauses appear at the beginning of the sentences,
they should be preceded by a comma.

For example:

When we moved out, we met with friends.

Fragment Clause
A fragment clause is a group of words that miss a subject or a verb or even both
and it can be mistaken for a complete sentence just like a dependent clause.
Below are some of the examples that miss a subject or verb;

From evening until midnight.

It is possible to change this fragment into a complete sentence as follows;

I read from the evening until morning.

It is clear that adding ‘I’ as the subject and ‘read’ as the verb makes this fragment
and independent clause and with a complete thought.

Another example of a missing subject is;

Start after the holiday.

This fragment can be changed into a complete sentence as follows;

The drama starts after the holiday.

The subject ‘drama’ has been added to correct the fragment and make it an
independent clause as well as having a complete thought.

An example of a fragment missing a verb is outlined below:

Some students in the class.

This fragment can be corrected as follows;

 Some students in the class walk together.

By adding the verb walk to the fragment, makes it an independent clause and
with a complete thought.

Rules of a Sentence Fragment

A sentence fragment must not have a subject, that is, a noun that performs the
action in a sentence.

It must not have a predicate, that is, the verb that is tied to the subject of the
sentence

It must not be a complete thought, that is, it does not necessarily need to make
sense or stand on its own.

As noted above, fragments can appear in other forms of writing like novels and
newspapers among others. However, they should be avoided at all costs in any
written work because they never communicate a complete thought.

What is A Subject Complement?

Subject complement refers to words, phrases, and clauses that come after the
linking verb and expounds or modifies a sentence’s subject. Subject complements
are grammatical components contained in the predicate of a sentence. Although
the most used subject complements are nouns and adjectives, there are more
other forms of grammatical components that can be used as subject complements
in English grammar.

So, in short, the subject complement is composed of the following: Noun phrases,
Verb phrases, Adjective phrases, Noun clauses, and Prepositional phrases.

Subject Complement (with Examples)

Noun Phrases as Subject Complements
Noun phrase executes the role of subject complement in a clause or sentence.
Noun phrases are described as phrases comprising a noun/pronoun and any
other modifier, determinants, or complements. Let’s look at the examples of noun
phrases functioning as subject complements in a sentence.

Your curtain resembled a flag. (noun)

This is him. (pronoun)
My son is a footballer. (noun phrase)
James will become a teacher next month. (noun phrase)
 The preacher on the altar resembles the fake preacher in the Newspaper. (noun
phrase)
My spouse is a man of principle. (noun phrase)
The outgoing president will be remembered for fostering unity during his tenure.
(noun phrase)

Verb Phrases as Subject Complements

A verb phrase is another grammatical form that executes the grammatical role of
the subject complement. The verb phrase assumes the form of present participle
and infinitives. Verb phrases are described as phrases containing a verb,
modifiers, complements, infinitive markers, etc.

Examples of verb phrases functioning as subject complements in a sentence:

Your weekly chores will be cleaning and washing clothes. (present participle)
His distinct talent is writing poems in his office. (present participle)
Your only onus is to cook for your young daughter. (infinitive)
My favorite hobby is traveling overseas. (infinitive)
The assignment is to research the invention of the wheel. (infinitive)

Adjective Phrases as Subject Complements

An adjective phrase is the other grammatical form that carries out the
grammatical role of subject complement. Adjective phrases are phrases that
contain an adjective, modifier, or complements.

Examples of Adjective Phrases that function as subject complements in a sentence.

The meat tasted unpleasant. (adjective)

My son got infuriated. (adjective)
My dad is fond of travel. (adjective phrase)
The weather seems somewhat good. (adjective phrase)
My cup of tea is cold. (adjective)

Noun Clauses as Subject Complements

A noun clause is another grammatical form that executes the grammatical role of
the subject complement. Noun clauses are described as subordinate clauses that
comprise a clause anteceded by a subordinating conjunction.

Examples of noun clause functioning as a subject complement in a sentence.

Your fault was that you declined to complete the assignment.

The winner of the contest will be whoever garners the majority of votes.
The problem is that you think driving is not easy to learn.
My question is whether you will sue the government for defamation.
 Your desk mate can be whomever you like.

Prepositional Phrases as Subject Complements

This is the last grammatical form that executes the grammatical function of the
subject complement. Prepositional phrases are phrases that comprise of a
prepositional complement anteceded by a preposition.

Examples of prepositional phrases in sentences

The hottest part of the day is past the afternoon.

The best time to visit her is between two and four.
The best place to study is in the study room.
My most favorite part of the workday is during the morning.

Sentence Exercises
Sentence Exercise 1: Combining to form simple
sentences
Combine the following word groups into simple sentences:

1. The sky / blue / is.

2. A book / on the desk / lies.
3. The flowers / bloom / in spring.
4. The stars / twinkle / at night.
5. A chef / the meal / prepares.
6. The children / play / outside.
7. The wind / howl / during the storm.
8. A baker / make / fresh bread.
9. The stars / appear / at dusk.
10. The cat / nap / in the sunbeam.
11. The cat / sleeps / on the mat.
12. The children / play / in the park.
13. The train / arrives / on time.
14. The dog / barks / loudly.
15. The artist / paints / a portrait.
16. A cat / on the windowsill / sleeps.
17. The children / in the park / play.
18. The dog / barks / loudly.
19. The teacher / the lesson / explains.
20. The train / arrives / on time.

Answer

1. The sky is blue.

2. A book lies on the desk.
3. The flowers bloom in spring.
4. The stars twinkle at night.
5. A chef prepares the meal.
6. The children play outside.
7. The wind howls during the storm.
8. A baker makes fresh bread.
9. The stars appear at dusk.
10. The cat naps in the sunbeam.
11. The cat sleeps on the mat.
12. The children play in the park.
13. The train arrives on time.
14. The dog barks loudly.
15. The artist paints a portrait.
16. A cat sleeps on the windowsill.
17. The children play in the park.
18. The dog barks loudly.
19. The teacher explains the lesson.
20. The train arrives on time.

Sentence Exercise 2: Identify the fragments

Read the following sentences and determine which ones are complete sentences
and which are fragments.

1. After the party ended.

2. The cat slept on the windowsill.
3. Because she was tired from work.
4. He drove to the supermarket.
5. Waiting for the bus in the rain.
6. Although she studied hard.
7. The dog barks at strangers.
8. Beneath the old oak tree.
9. They laughed at the joke.
10. Whispering secrets in the dark.
11. Whenever you’re ready.
12. The dog barked loudly during the night.
13. Under the bridge.
14. She writes poetry in her free time.
15. Before the movie starts.

Answers

1. Fragment (no main verb)

2. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
3. Fragment (dependent clause cannot stand alone)
4. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
5. Fragment (no subject and verb)
6. Fragment (dependent clause cannot stand alone)
7. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
8. Fragment (no main verb, functions as a prepositional phrase)
9. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
10. Fragment (no main subject or verb expressing a complete thought)
11. Fragment (no independent clause)
12. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
13. Fragment (no subject or verb)
14. Complete (has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought)
15. Fragment (no independent clause)

Sentence Exercise 3: Choosing the correct interrogative

form
Choose the correct interrogative form for each sentence:

1. (Do/Does) you play the piano?

2. (Where/What) did you buy that dress?
3. (Have/Has) they finished their homework yet?
4. (Is/Are) the cookies in the oven?
5. (Why/How) did she react to the news?
6. (Do/Does) they know the way to the museum?
7. (Whose/Who’s) jacket is this hanging in the closet?
8. (Did/Does) you see what happened outside?
9. (Were/Was) the kids playing in the garden when it started to rain?
10. (How many/How much) people are expected to attend the conference?
11. (Who/Whom) was at the door?
12. (What/Which) color do you prefer?
13. (Can/May) I borrow your charger?
14. (How many/How much) apples are in the basket?
15. (When/Where) is the meeting scheduled?

Answers

1. Do 2. Where 3. Have

4. Are 5. Why 6. Do

7. Whose 8. Did 9. Were

10. How many 11. Who 12. Which

13. Can 14. How 15. When

Sentence Exercise 4: Combining ideas into a declarative

sentence
Combine the following ideas into a single declarative sentence:

1. The weather (idea 1). It is sunny (idea 2).

2. The cat (idea 1). It is sleeping on the sofa (idea 2).
3. The cake (idea 1). It tastes delicious (idea 2).
4. The book (idea 1). It was written by a famous author (idea 2).
5. The movie (idea 1). It starts at eight o’clock (idea 2).
6. The car (idea 1). It has a powerful engine (idea 2).
7. The concert (idea 1). It begins at nine o’clock (idea 2).
8. The book (idea 1). It contains many interesting facts (idea 2).
9. The flowers (idea 1). They attract bees and butterflies (idea 2).
10. The jacket (idea 1). It is made of leather (idea 2).
11. The garden (idea 1). It is blooming with flowers (idea 2).
12. The computer (idea 1). It is brand new (idea 2).
13. The concert (idea 1). It was incredibly loud (idea 2).
14. The painting (idea 1). It is hanging in the gallery (idea 2).
15. The athlete (idea 1). He won three gold medals (idea 2).

Answer

1. The weather is sunny today.

2. The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
3. The cake tastes delicious.
4. The book was written by a famous author.
5. The movie starts at eight o’clock.
6. The car has a powerful engine.
7. The concert begins at nine o’clock.
8. The concert begins at nine o’clock.
9. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
10. The jacket is made of leather.
11. The garden is blooming with flowers.
12. The computer is brand new.
13. The concert was incredibly loud.
14. The painting is hanging in the gallery.
15. The athlete won three gold medals.
16.