What is a Simple Sentence?
A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. This independent clause may contain a compound subject and/or a compound verb.
Examples of Simple Sentences
Some examples of simple sentences would be the following:
June went to the skating rink.
I returned from basketball practice and took a nap.
Brooke and Ricardo harvested corn and ate it for dinner.
Why You Should Use Simple Sentences in Your Writing
Clarity, precision, and emphasis are all great reasons to use simple sentences in your writing. Simple sentences can provide a great deal of focus. Notice what the following sentences achieve:
Clarity
It rained all day.
Precision
Place the money in the bag.
Emphasis
Leave now.
What to Know About Simple Sentences
Keep in mind that simple sentences are not always short and to the point. There can be such a thing as a lengthy simple sentence. Take the following sentence for example:
After about four hours in the car this morning, Joshua with his Cookie Monster costume, Declan in his Star Wars outfit, and Rachael with her Pinkalicious outfit sat and waited very patiently throughout the entire parade.
Notice that there are compound subjects (Joshua, Declan, Rachael) and compound verbs (sat, waited) in this sentence, but the sentence is still deemed a simple sentence becaus those compound subjects and compound verbs all happen within the same independent clause. Simple sentences with compound subjects and/or compound verbs should not be confused with compound sentences, complex sentences, or compound-complex sentences.
Download a Free Worksheet on Simple Sentences!
Click the image below to download your free worksheet on simple sentences!
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Explore More GrammarFlip Lessons!
Parts of Speech lessons provide the building blocks of grammar. GrammarFlip covers these topics in detail to ensure a solid foundation is built. First time learners and students seeking to review the parts of speech can both benefit from the instructional videos and slide show reviews.
Parts of the Sentence lessons are critical for understanding how the parts of speech function in language construction. From the basic to the advanced, these lessons will cover a wide range of grammar topics that can be used in any grade level or classroom.
Mechanics and Usage lessons equip students with the necessary skills to communicate clearly to all audiences. With a focus on the application of these concepts in student writing, these lessons tie together both simple constructions of grammar as well as the more complex such that any age or skill level of student will benefit.
