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B. Sentences
Components of a Sentence: Identifying the Sentence Core
Every language has its own sentence structure and rules for what is included. Word order is particularly important in English grammar. The basic structure of sentences in English is S-V-O, or subject-verb-object. This means that, in most cases, the subject always appears before the verb. We will address the object in the next section.
Clearly written, complete sentences require key information: a subject, a verb, and a complete idea. (Some verbs (transitive verbs) require an object (O), and some verbs (intransitive verbs) don’t to make a complete idea. Most verbs are transitive. A sentence needs to make sense on its own. Sometimes, complete sentences are also called independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that may make up a sentence. An independent clause is a group of words that may stand alone as a complete, grammatically correct thought. The following sentence has three independent clauses (in brackets).
[We went to the store,] [we bought the ingredients on our list,] and then [we went home].
All complete sentences have at least one independent clause. You can identify an independent clause by reading it on its own and looking for the subject and the verb.
The video linked below explains the basics of sentence structure.
It may be easiest to first identify the verb in a sentence, even though it generally appears after a subject. A verb is often an action word that shows what the subject is doing. A verb can also link the subject to a describing word. There are three types of verbs that you can use in a sentence: action verbs, linking verbs, or helping verbs.
Action Verbs
A verb that connects the subject to an action is called an action verb. An action verb answers the question what is the subject doing? In the following sentences, the bold words are action verbs.
Example 1
The dog barked at the jogger.
He gave a short speech before we ate.
Linking Verbs
A verb can often connect the subject of the sentence to a describing word. This type of verb is called a linking verb because it links the subject to a describing word. In the following sentences, the bold words are linking verbs.
Example 2
The coat was old and dirty.
The clock seemed broken.
If you have trouble telling the difference between action verbs and linking verbs, remember that an action verb shows that the subject is doing something, whereas a linking verb simply connects the subject to another word that describes or modifies the subject. A few verbs can be used as either action verbs or linking verbs.
Example 3
Action verb: The boy looked for his glove.
Linking verb: The boy looked tired.
Helping Verbs
A third type of verb you may use as you write is a helping verb. Helping verbs are verbs that are used with the main verb to describe a mood or tense. Helping verbs are usually a form of be, do, or h