Starting with the fundamentals Writing Basics Starting with the fundamentals

The Simple Sentence The sentence is the basic unit of communication. A simple sentence has one independent clause.

Independent Clauses An Independent Clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause = one simple sentence. An independent clause always has two important parts: A subject – names who or what the sentence is about A verb – shows the action or state of being

Subjects and Predicates Simple Subject = the main word that tells who or what the sentence is about Ex: The wizened old man walked across the empty street. Complete Subject = all the words that tell who or what the sentence is about *sometime the simple subject is the complete subject

Subjects and Predicates Simple Predicate = tells what the subject does or is. Ex: The wizened old man walked across the empty street. Complete Predicate = tells what the subject does or is. It includes all of the other details that describe what is going on.

Remember An independent clause must: be able to stand alone express a complete thought, and make sense

Compound Subjects and Verbs A compound subject is a subject with two or more parts. (usually joined by “and”). Ex: The tortoise and the hare raced around the track. Although a compound subject has more than one part, it is still considered one subject. Compound Verbs A compound verb is a verb with more than one action (usually joined by “and”). Ex: The hare huffed and puffed after the race.

4 Types of Simple Sentences Simple Sentences can have 4 different structures: SV = single subject, single verb SSV = compound subject, single verb SVV = single subject, compound verb SSVV = compound subject, compound verb

Sentence Fragments Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences. A fragment is missing a subject or a verb Sometimes a fragment is used to answer questions, but it does not express a complete thought . Sentence fragments are incorrect. As a writer, you need to be able to check each sentence yourself to be sure it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Verb-Subject Identification Procedure Step 1: Look for the verb 1st. It is usually an action or a state-of-being word (be, am is, was, were, being, been ) Ex: Kevin reported the theft. Ex: Paula is an astronaut. Step 2: Find the subject 2nd. Ask yourself “Who or what (insert verb)?” to find the subject. Ex: Who “reported the theft”? Ex: Who “is an astronaut”? * Finding the verb can help you locate the subject, but no the other way around.

Linking Verbs Verbs are the most important words in a sentence. Most verbs are actions words, but some verbs describe a state of being or existence (what something is or is like) Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject to information that describes the subject, but do not show action. linking verbs can be the main verb of a sentence Example: Sally is my best friend.

Common Linking Verbs List is be am being are been was were

Verb Phrases The verb can consist of two or more words. This is called a verb phrase Example: ”must have gone” Even though it has multiple words, a verb phrase acts as one verb (not a compound verb) Verb phrases are formed by putting one or more linking verbs and/or helping verbs in front of a main verb

Helping Verbs Can may Could might must Do Does shall Did should Have will has would had

Practice Writing Simple Sentences (12 Total – 3 of each) SV SSV SVV Write 3 sentences for each category using action verbs. Separate and label each category. SV SSV SVV SSVV *Remember: only use action verbs Combine compound subjects and verbs with “and”

Practice Writing Simple Sentences (4 more) SV SSV SVV SSVV Write 4sentences using action verbs. Write the formula you selected in the margin. SV SSV SVV SSVV

Practice Writing Simple Sentences (4 more) SV SSV SVV SSVV Write 4 sentences using linking verbs. Write the formula you selected in the margin. SV SSV SVV SSVV

Partner Check Exchange papers with a partner. Read your partner’s sentences. Label the subjects (S) and verbs (V). Put a ✓ next to each sentence that correctly matches the formula.

The Simple Sentence – Level II Writing Basics The Simple Sentence – Level II

Direct Objects A direct object is a person or thing that receives the action performed by the subject. Direct objects always follow an action verb. To find direct objects =“ S + V + what?” To find the direct object, say the subject and verb followed by whom or what. If nothing answers the question, then there is no direct object. Ex: Tom studies grammar. (Tom studies what?) Susan shoveled snow. (Susan shovels what?) *There can be compound direct objects (usually joined by “and”). * The direct object must be a noun or pronoun.

Practice Identifying Subjects, Verbs and Direct Objects. Paul built a dollhouse for Hayley. The club members held a party in the park. The audience cheered the actors during the play. Terry dialed a wrong number. The students studied subjects and verbs. The hungry boy ate cake, pie, and cookies.

Complements A complement is a word that follows a linking verb and modifies or describes the subject. A complement tells you how or what something is or was Ex: Tom is a professor. The teacher is experienced. Our trip was bumpy.

Indirect Objects An indirect object tells: “who” or “for whom” something is done or who is receiving the direct object The indirect object always comes in between the verb and the direct object. It is often used with verbs such as: send, give, tell, get, buy, show, do, make, save, and read Ex: Samuel sent his aunt a post card. what is the action? (verb) Who is performing the action? (subject) What is receiving the action? (direct object) For whom is the action performed? (indirect object) *There can be compound indirect objects

Practice Marvin made a card and a cake for his mother. Alexa gave June her Algebra notes. My mother bought me a necktie. John told his brother and sister a story. what is the action? (verb) Who is performing the action? (subject) What is receiving the action? (direct object) For whom is the action performed? (indirect object)

Practice Identifying Subjects, Verbs Indirect and Direct Objects. John read his tiny nephew an exciting story. Our father built the family a redwood picnic table. The doctor sent me a bill for his services. The new highway saved travelers time and miles. I bought Ivy and Jeff tickets for the game. She sent friends and family members gifts for the holiday.

Practice SV + Direct Object only SV + IO and DO Writing Simple Sentences (10 Total – 5 of each) Write 2 sentences for each category using action verbs. Separate and label each category. Label the subjects (S) and verbs (V), direct objects (DO) and indirect objects (ID) SV + Direct Object only SV + IO and DO *you can use compounds anywhere in your sentences

Writing Assignment: Complete Sentence Basics worksheets Sentence Fragments Subjects and Predicates Simple Sentences (label subjects and verbs) Write your own sentences and label