Grammar Imitation Lessons Simple Sentences

Instructions On each slide you will see a rule for the sentences you will be imitating. Copy that rule word for word. Following the rule will be sample sentences that follow that rule. Imitate each of those sentences. Do not copy the sentences as they are written. The majority of the sentence must be your own creation.

How to Imitate a Sentence Example Sentence: The quick brown fox jumped over the fence. First, identify each part of the sentence The quick brown fox jumped over the fence. article adjective adjective noun verb prepositional phrase

How to Imitate a Sentence Next, write your own version of the example sentence! WRONG: The quick brown fox jumped over the fence. (This is an exact copy, not an imitation sentence!) The quick brown cat jumped over the house. (This is too close to the example sentence; it needs to be more original!) There was a fox that jumped over the fence. (This is not the same in structure as the example sentence!)

How to Imitate a Sentence CORRECT: A fast black cat ran around the house. (This sentence uses the same structure without repeating the same words!) Finally, double check to make sure that your imitation sentence matches the example sentence EXACTLY in terms of structure! A fast black cat ran around the house. article adjective adjective noun verb prepositional phrase

Tips Pay attention to the rule being covered. This is the primary part of your grade! Think through the sentence before you begin writing. You need to label each part of the example sentence before you can write your imitation sentence! Handwriting matters! Your letters should be the correct size and form. Most importantly, be sure that the majority of the sentence is of your own creation.

Rule #1-Subjects of Simple Sentences A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The subject is the part of the sentence about which something is said. The subject is always a noun; a pronoun; or a word, clause, or phrase that functions as a noun. The subject and predicate must always agree.

Rule #1- Simple Subject A simple subject is the subject without its modifiers. Imitate the following sentences. 1. Wolves howl. 2. They howl for a variety of reasons.

Rule #1-Complete Subject A complete subject is the subject with all of its modifiers. Imitate the following sentences. 1. Most wildlife biologists disapprove of breeding wolves and dogs. 2. A wild wolf can live its entire life without the influence of human beings.

Rule #1-Compound Subject A compound subject is made of two or more simple subjects. Imitate the following sentences. 1. Dog breeders and veterinarians know that wolf puppies can be dangerous. 2. A wild wolf and a domesticated dog should always be kept apart.

Rule #2- Predicates of Simple Sentences The predicate, which contains the verb, is the part of the sentence that says something about the subject.

Rule #2- Simple Predicate A simple predicate is the verb without its modifiers. Imitate the following sentences. 1. A series of earthquakes shook Japan. 2. The most powerful earthquake destroyed the nuclear power plant.

Rule #2-Complete Predicate A complete predicate is the simple predicate with all its modifiers. Imitate the following sentences. 1. One tremor lasted over five minutes. 2. The tsunami reached a top speed of 800km per hour.

Rule #3-Distracting Modifiers Do not be distracted by modifiers or phrases that come between the subject and predicate. Imitate the following sentences. 1. The boys near the trees are studying. 2. The girl with braces wins every spelling bee.

Rule #4-Delayed Subjects A delayed subject occurs in sentences with “There” or “It” followed by a “be” verb. These types of sentences are also known as inverted sentences because the subject comes AFTER the verb instead of before. Imitate the following sentences. 1. There was nothing in the refrigerator. 2. It is easy to believe that we will starve.

Delayed Subjects Continued A delayed subject also occurs in questions. Imitate the following sentences. 1. Where is my sandwich? 2. When are you going to the store to get more food?

Rule #5-Tricky Compound Subjects (AND) A compound subject connect by “and” gets a plural verb. Imitate the following sentences. 1. John and Bob run track. 2. Suzy and all her friends are cheerleaders.

Rule #5- Tricky Compound Subjects (OR) A compound subject connect by “or” matches the verb to the subject closest to the verb. Imitate the following sentences. 7. John or his friends run the relay each week. 8. Either her friends or Suzy cheers during the JV games.