Sentence structures to know and love
ENG 101
1. Simple sentence (S-V-O):A simple sentence has one subject–verb pair. It starts with the subject (or an adjective and the subject). The subject is immediately followed by the verb (or an adverb and the verb). A simple sentence may contain an object.
Example 1:The blonde girlbakeda cake.
2. Simple sentence with a simple introductory description (D + S-V-O):The main sentence is a simple sentence. It is preceded by a simple descriptive phrase with only one level of description (2a) or a simple descriptive clause with only one subject and verb (2b). If you need to describe some aspect of the introductory description, use two sentences. Otherwise, the description will be overly complex and increase the potential for confusion.
Example 2a:A pastry chef by trade, the blondegirlbakeda cake.
Example 2b:Though she was tired, the blonde girlbakeda cake.
3. Compound simple sentence (S-V-O + S-V-O):Two simple sentences are joined by a conjunction.
Example 3:The blondegirlbakeda cake, so the fat kiddevoured it.
4. Compound simple sentence with a simple introductory description (D + S-V-O + S-V-O):This pattern combines the previous two patterns.
Example 4:Because she liked him, the blondegirlbakeda cake, and the fatkiddevouredit.
5. Simple sentences with compound predicates (S-V-O + V-O):The subject has two main verbs.
Example 5:The blondegirlbakeda cake andwhipped up a batch of frosting.
6. Simple sentences with compound objects (S-V-O + O):The verb has two objects. Not every sentence has an object, but a sentence that can have one object can also have two.
Example 6:The blondegirlbakeda cake and two dozen cookies as well.
7. Simple sentence with descriptive phrase for the subject or verb (S+D -V-O; S- V+D -O):A descriptive phrase follows the subject (7a) and either follows or precedes the verb (7b). If you use a descriptive phrase after the subject, keep it as short as possible because it will separate the subject and the main verb. A descriptive phrase does not have a subject and verb.
Example 7a:The blondegirl, a pastry chef,bakeda cake.
Example 7b:The blondegirlbaked, as quickly as possible, a cake.
8. Sentence with ending descriptive phrase or clause (Sentence + D):Any of the previous sentence patterns can be followed by a descriptive phrase or clause. For example, the descriptive clause in example 8a follows a simple sentence, the descriptive phrase in example 8b follows a compound sentence, and the descriptive phrase in example 8c follows a simple sentence with a simple introductory description.
Example 8a:The blondegirlbakeda cake, which is a skill I look for in a wife.
Example 8b:The blondegirlbakeda cake, and the fatkiddevouredit, thus assuring a match made in heaven.
Example 8c:A pastry chef, the blondegirlbakeda cake with layers upon layers of fondant.
9. Fragment (F): Not a complete sentence. A subject alone, a verb alone, an incomplete thought.
Example 9a: The work was never-ending. Roll, knead, bake—repeat.An endless cycle of pastry.
Example 9b: She saw the kitchen and sighed. Fondant, fondant everywhere.
Example 9c: Why do I love her? Because she bakes cakes.Because that’s the way to my heart.