Simple Sentences
Essential Question
When writing sentences, why is it sometimes best to “keep it simple”?
Grammar in the World
K. I. S. S. (Keep It Simple, Superhero)
What Do I Know?
Use the interactive below to see how much you already know about simple sentences:
Building Blocks
Grammar is a complex system and structure of language. Mizzou Academy Grammar Lab spotlights one skill (or block) at a time, but it’s often helpful to see how a skill works together with other, related blocks to build the language structure as a whole. You may find the following resource topics helpful as context for this lesson:
Learn About Simple Sentences
In some of your writing classes (or other places), you may have seen the acronym: K.I.S.S., which commonly stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” The “Stupid” part is intended as self-deprecating humor—pointing out that many of us tend to make things harder or more complicated than they really need to be, and it’s silly and counterproductive to do that to ourselves most of the time.
But a more positive and proactive take on it could just as easily be “Keep It Simple, Superhero!” because superheroes solve problems. They take on a challenge that seems too big for mere mortals to handle and magically make it better. In most writing situations when we’re having trouble finding the right words, the ability to simplify can do that, too. It begins with understanding what a simple sentence is, and then choosing wisely when and how to use it to save the day.
A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause, which means that it contains only one complete subject (the subject of the sentence along with all of its modifiers) and one complete predicate (the verb in the sentence along with all of its modifiers) that work together to create one complete thought.
- My sister bought a car.
complete subject = my sister
complete predicate = bought a car
- She had worked hard to pass her driving test.
complete subject = she
complete predicate = had worked hard to pass her driving test
- My mother and my father knew she was ready.
complete subject = my mother and my father
complete predicate = knew she was ready
Simple, however, does not always mean short! Simple sentences can be descriptive and rich and full of information that gives texture and emphasis and layers of meaning. What makes it simple is that there’s only one complete thought that could stand by itself as a sentence of its own. Everything else builds out from that singular subject and verb, so simple sentences act like a spotlight on one focal point.
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Simple sentences may contain any number of modifying words and phrases. |
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Compound subjects: two or more people or things act together as the complete subject |
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My sister and her best friend saved their money all summer. The car’s purchase price, taxes, licensing fees, and the insurance premium really added up. |
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Compound predicates: two or more actions take place at the same time and act together as the complete predicate |
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Her savings seemed like a lot but barely covered the costs. She made the deal, signed the paperwork, and drove away smiling. |
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Phrases: Groups of words that work together as a single part of speech |
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Taking a deep breath, my sister savored the feeling of independence and accomplishment. She drove her new car straight to the DMV after the sale, making it official. |
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Simple sentences may not contain dependent clauses or more than one independent clause. |
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Dependent clause: a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence but contains a subject and verb of its own |
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Before she could call the car her own, she needed to complete the registration process. The line at the DMV was so long that it stretched out to the sidewalk outside. |
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Independent clause: a subject and verb that could stand alone as a complete sentence |
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My father suggested waiting until the next morning, but she was determined. She knew that she had earned this moment, and she refused to wait even one more day just because it was busy. |
Do I Get It?
What have you learned about simple sentences? Take this short quiz to find check your understanding.