1. Copyright © 2018 C. Wade Naney
Begin
Copyright © 2018 C. Wade Naney

2. Okay, let’s see if that’s true.
What is a sentence?
Okay, let’s see if that’s true.

3. Yes, “What?” is a sentence.
First, we’ll look at an example.

4. What is a sentence?
So,
back to the original question . . .
A sentence is a word or a group of words that expresses
a complete statement, question, command, or exclamation.

5. It’s really not so difficult.
Let’s begin.

6. Here is a common definition of a sentence:
A sentence expresses a complete thought. I
see
A sentence usually contains
a subject
and a predicate.

7. A sentence expresses a complete thought.
Always remember . . .
A sentence expresses a complete thought.
Here are more examples of complete thoughts:

8. A sentence expresses a complete thought.
(You)
Always remember . . .
Always remember . . .
A sentence expresses a complete thought.
Sometimes, the subject is implied.
The band will perform tomorrow.
Don’t forget to turn out the lights before you leave!
Our visitors have left for home.
(You)
Each of the examples expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate.

9. So, what about those one-word sentences, especially the ones with no subject or predicate?
Sometimes, the subject is implied.
Sometimes, the subject and the predicate are implied.
Example:
Implied:
Ouch!
That hurts!
What?
What did you say?
Ah!
Now, I understand!

10. Now, let’s look at the four sentence types.
The declarative sentence makes a statement.
You’ve learned a lot today.
The interrogative sentence asks a question.
What did you learn today?
The imperative sentence makes a command.
Learn all you can today.
The exclamatory sentence expresses emotion.
You’ve learned so much today!

11. a word about sentence fragments.
We’re almost done!
Yipee!!
But first —
a word about sentence fragments.

12. A sentence fragment is an incomplete thought —
something that should always be avoided.
On an essay, it sticks out like a . . .
Yeah, one of those.
Okay, let’s look at an example of a sentence fragment.

13. On a crisp, early-Spring morning as a just-rising sun peeked timidly through
the wakening little clouds resting among an array of round-topped hills that
for millennia have adorned the rich soil that now blesses the farm that has
provided sustenance and comfort to my family for generations.
We don’t know because the writer has not completed the
thought and has left us with a sentence fragment.
And, as we know, a sentence fragment sticks out like a —
Yeah!

14. Now you know all about sentence structure.
Congratulations!
Now you know all about sentence structure.
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