Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has one of these patterns:

1. Steak sizzles. (S + V)

2. Americans love steak.(S + V + DO)

3. Families serve their guests steak.(S + V + IO + DO)

4. Steak is delicious. (S + V + subject complement)

5. The best steak comes from the Midwest.(S + V + adverbial)

6. Vegetarians consider steak unhealthy.(S + V + DO + object complement)

7. Vegetarians prefer lettuce any day. (S + V + DO + adverbial)

S = subject

V = verb in whatever tense, affirmative or negative

DO = direct object

IO = indirect object

A fragment is not a simple sentence because it is missing one of the essential parts. Generally speaking, a fragment is missing a subject or a verb.

The above sentence structures are called “simple sentences.” Using simple sentences is an excellent way to be clear and understood by the widest audience.

If what you say is not clear or not understood, the audience will know almost immediately and should be able to ask a question that you can address confidently.

In the worse case scenario, an audience that does not understand might simply ignore you, discount your contributions, or at worse laugh.