Are you curious about how to construct a simple sentence? Are you unsure about how short or long it should be? Don't worry! This article will guide you through the ins and outs of simple sentences, including their meaning, definition, and usage. We'll also provide plenty of real-life examples to help you understand better.
A simple sentence is a straightforward statement that conveys information, facts, or day-to-day matters. One key characteristic of a simple sentence is that it contains just one
verb
, forming a single
independent clause
.
Let's delve deeper into the definitions provided by various dictionaries for a clearer understanding of what simple sentences are.
Defining a Simple Sentence
As per the Cambridge Dictionary, a simple sentence is “a sentence that has only one verb.” The Collins Dictionary describes a simple sentence as “a sentence consisting of a single main clause.” According to the Macmillan Dictionary, a simple sentence is “a sentence consisting of one independent clause only. It usually has a subject and verb, and often an
object
or
complement
and one or more
adjuncts
.”
Key Points to Remember When Constructing Simple Sentences
We use language to communicate every day, and most of our sentences are simple sentences. Creating simple sentences is simpler than you might think. Here are some key points to help you effortlessly construct and use simple sentences.
To aid your comprehension, we've compiled some practical examples. Feel free to refer to these when you're trying to construct your own simple sentences.
She / is an artist.
Subject / Predicate
John, Paul, and George / are forming a band.
Compound Subject / Predicate
My cat / purrs and plays.
Subject / Compound Predicate
This / is a delicious meal!
Subject / Predicate
I / don’t enjoy broccoli.
Subject / Predicate
She / was shopping at the mall.
Subject / Predicate
At the mall – Prepositional phrase
Both of them / will arrive by 5 p.m.
Subject / Predicate
By 5 p.m. – Prepositional phrase
Hard work / is the key to success.
Subject / Predicate
Sara and Lisa / are childhood friends.
Compound Subject / Predicate
Nobody but me / can fix it.
Compound Subject / Predicate
Test Series
497.3k Students
SSC CHSL (Tier I & Tier II) Mock Test Series 2025 (New)
Try rearranging the following phrases to form simple sentences. Be sure to use appropriate punctuation and identify the subject (or compound subject) and predicate (or compound predicate).
A simple sentence, like the name suggests, is a simple statement about casual day-to-day matters, facts, information about something and more. A simple sentence can be as short as just an SV, SVO or SVC pattern and also as long as ASVIODO, SVIODO or SVAA. In other words, a simple sentence is one that has just one verb constituting a single independent clause.
What is the definition of a simple sentence?
A simple sentence, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is “a sentence that has only one verb.” The Collins Dictionary defines a simple sentence as “a sentence consisting of a single main clause.” A simple sentence is defined as “a sentence consisting of one independent clause only. It usually has a subject and verb, and often an object or complement and one or more adjuncts”, according to the Macmillan Dictionary.
What are the rules to be followed when forming simple sentences?
When forming and using simple sentences, there are some points you have to keep in mind. They are,
A simple sentence should have at least one subject and one predicate.
A simple sentence can also have a compound subject or a compound predicate.
A simple sentence should contain only one independent clause and should express a complete thought.
A simple sentence can be a declarative sentence, an interrogative sentence or an exclamatory sentence.
Give some examples of simple sentences.
Here are a few examples of simple sentences for your reference.
My father is a doctor.
I am ten years old.
That is a beautiful dress!
Is that a simple sentence?
He cannot do two things at the same time.