Sentence Structure in English: Parts, Types, Chart & Worksheet

What is Sentence Structure?

The sentence structure is the arrangement of words in a group to make a grammatically correct and meaningful expression, or you can say sentence. Sentence structure is also known as the “Syntax”. Moreover, it expresses the importance of how phrases and words are combined to create a clause and how clauses are paired to form a complete sentence. It contains subject, object, predicate, punctuation, phrases, etc. Thus, a simple rule or pattern of sentence formation in English is followed.

“Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)”

Example: He (subject) + kicked (verb)+ ball (object)

So, sentence construction in English uncovers how diverse parts of sentences are combined together to make a sentence. This was the overview of sentence structure. Now, let’s move forward to explore its parts.

Parts of Sentence

Before we proceed further, first we have to understand the basic parts of the sentence structure and its components that make a sentence. So, let’s first check the basics of the sentence structure.

1. Subject

The subject in the sentence can be a noun or pronoun that performs the action.

Example

1. The sky is pink
2. Today is Thursday
3. The man riding the horse

2. Predicate

The verb work is an action performed by the specific subject in the sentence. 

1. I love soup with ramen
2. Anne can crochet
3. Samuel can sketch

Other Important Parts Within a Sentence

In addition to the basic subject and predicate, sentences often include other elements that add depth and detail to the meaning:

1. Object – An object is also a noun or pronoun that receives the action performed by the subject. For Example: "She reads books."
2. Complement – The words used in the sentences need to provide meaning to the sentence to make it more meaningful. It can be an adjective, a name, or a profession. For Example: "He is a teacher".
3. Modifiers - Modifiers describe or give more detail about a part of the sentence. They can be adjectives, adverbs, phrases, or clauses. For example: Quickly, she ran to the old, red house.

These are the parts of sentence formation in English that you must know, as they will help you to make the right sentence pattern. Knowing the parts of a sentence helps you write better and clearer. When you understand how subjects, predicates, and other parts work together, you can build strong sentences that make sense. Whether you're writing for school, work, or just for fun, these basics are a great place to start.

Must read- Interrogative Sentence

Types of Sentence Structure

There are four types of sentence structure in English. These structures are formed by the number and clause types (independent and dependent) that are used in the sentence. Explore the following sections to learn more about them.

1. Simple Sentences

The simple sentences are created by using only one independent clause. This includes subjects and verbs, but sometimes it comprises objects to express the complete thought. Also, it can stand alone to make a meaningful sentence, such as

Examples -

• “The cat sat on the mat.”
• “She is reading the book”
• “He is painting on the wall” 

2. Compound sentences

A compound sentence pattern consists of at least two independent clauses (simple sentences) with coordinating conjunctions, a colon, or a semicolon. A coordinating conjunction is a part that combines two similar parts such as “like”, “and”, “but”, “or”, etc.

Examples -

• She loves to bake. She doesn’t like cleaning up. – She loves to bake, however, she doesn’t like cleaning up.
• I wanted to go to the saloon. I was too busy – I wanted to go to the saloon, but I was too busy.
• We could go to the zoo. We can go to the water park – We could go to the zoo, or we can go to the water park.

3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is combined by using an independent clause with a dependent clause. A dependent clause can’t stand alone, but an independent clause can. Moreover, the complex sentence construction in English uses subordinating conjunctions like “since”, “because”, “while”, “although”, etc.

Example – 1

Independent clause: She went to the home

Dependent clause: Because it was raining. 

Correction- She went to the home because it was raining.

Example –2

Independent clause: She finished the project

Dependent clause: Although she was tired

Correction- Although she was tired, she finished the project.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence is created by combining the structures of both compound and complex sentences. Moreover, this type of sentence structure in English encompasses at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause in the sentence.

Examples -

• While I was preparing the dinner, he was still busy watching TV, and the dinner was almost ready.
• If global warming keeps increasing, the entire globe will suffer, and we need to take some action to save the Earth now.
• John was sitting on the sofa and he was happily playing with his toy, but all of a sudden he fell.

This is all about the types of sentence structure. Use any type of structure to form sentences. Now, let’s move to the next section to explore the sentence structure grammar rules chart.

Sentence Structure Grammar Rules Chart

The sentence structure in English language follows grammatical rules to form sentences. It should be accurate while forming the sentences. However, recall that every sentence has one subordinate clause and one main clause. The standard rule of sentence structure is subject + verb + object. Here is the table of the grammar rules used in the sentence structure in English. Have a look.

Through this table, you can easily understand how to form a sentence. Now, let’s solve the worksheet to see how much you have learned about sentence structure.

Also read Clauses

Worksheet - Identify the Sentence Type

Label each sentence as Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound-Complex.

1. The sun set, and the stars appeared.
2. After dinner, we went for a walk.
3. The kids played in the yard.
4. She stayed inside because it was raining.
5. I wanted to go, but I had homework to finish.

Answer Key

1. Compound
2. Complex
3. Simple
4. Complex
5. Compound

If you want more worksheets to solve on this or any part of speech, like nouns, tenses, conjunctions and more. You can get connected to use, we will provide you with the best one.

Conclusion

Here we come to the end, sentence structure in English is the arrangement of words that determines the sentence created by using clauses, SVO, or grammar rules. Moreover, it is vital to understand the parts and types of the sentence. It will help you to know how sentences are formed by using them. Also, you navigate the types of sentences. Sentences are made according to the tenses. So, be conscious while making any syntax. If you need any help in learning the parts of speech, you can get connected to the Gradding’s experts. They will help you with this.

FAQs

1. What is sentence structure?

Answer: Sentence structure, which is also known as syntax, is defined as words arranged in a proper way to form sentences to craft a grammatical and meaningful expression. Moreover, it shows the order of subjects, verbs, and objects. It is a simple formula used to make sentences.

2. What is the difference between clauses and sentences?

Answer: An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on an independent clause to make sense (e.g., When I went to the store is a dependent clause).

3. What are the five rules of sentence structure?

Answer: The five rules of sentence structure are subject, verb, object, complement, and adjunct. These components work together to make a sentence that is grammatically correct and meaningful.

4. Why is sentence structure important in writing?

Answer: Sentence structure is important in writing because it shows how ideas are understood, used, and presented. Moreover, the right structure ensures flow, clarity and engagement. Thus, creating an accurate and meaningful sentence is vital in writing.

5. How can I avoid sentence fragments?

Answer: To avoid sentence fragments, you must ensure that every sentence contains a subject and a verb. Also, it must express a complete thought. Additionally, you can add the fragments or components to other sentences to create a complete sentence.