How to make Simple Sentences in English

Simple Sentences

How to Make Simple Sentences in English

What is a sentence?

A sentence is a group of words, which have three important characteristics:

1. A sentence must express a complete idea.
2. A sentence must also have a subject and a verb.
3. A sentence must have meaning.

What is a complete idea?
Simple sentences always express a complete idea.

- Example: Big New York City is a
This is a group of words, but is it expressing any meaning? No, therefore this is not a sentence.

Now let’s rearrange the same words and get a meaningful sentence.

- Example: New York is a big city
Now we get to know the size of New York from the sentence. And because it is convening a meaning – it is a sentence. A sentence will include the writer’s intent, understanding, perspective, or opinion about the subject.

What's a subject?

The subject is what the sentence is about.
• The sentence is always about the subject
• Sometimes the subject is singular – meaning one.
• And sometimes the subject is plural – meaning more than one.

Let’s look at these examples:
• Robert lives in New York City.

Robert is a singular subject.

• My neighbors moved to New York City.

“My Neighbors” is the subject, and this is a plural subject.

Sometimes we have a compound subject. This means two subjects or three subjects together.
Example: Madison Square Garden and The Empire State Building are in New York City.

In this sentence we have a compound subject, Madison Square Garden and The Empire State Building.

Another example of a compound subject :

The furniture and paintings will arrive at my New York City apartment tonight.

In this sentence the subject is a compound subject, the furniture and paintings.

What's a verb?

The verb is usually an action but sometimes it is just a state. The verb has a tense, which is the - time

meaning- of the verb.

- Example: The Twin Towers collapsed.

You can see here - collapsed - is in the past tense. This sentence is talking about the 9/11 terrorist attack which happened in the United States. Specifically, when two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center, also called by local New Yorkers – the Twin Towers.

Let’s look at another sentence:

        - Example: Robert isn’t in New York.

In this sentence the verb - isn’t - is not an action, this is called a state. 

Now just like subjects, sometimes we have compound verbs – more than one verb.

        - Example: I went out and bought a New York Pizza.

“Went out and bought” are the two verbs in the sentence.

Another important characteristic of a sentence

The meaning of any sentence may be different, based on different expressions. Based on the different
meanings or thoughts, a sentence is divided into four types.

1. Declarative sentences
2. Interrogative sentences
3. Imperative sentences
4. Exclamatory sentences

Declarative sentences
These sentences tell information about anything, and the sentence ends in a period.

Example: Central Park is in the middle of Manhattan.

Here we are telling information about the location of Central Park.

Example: New York has 5 boroughs or parts: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

This is telling information about Manhattan, that is not expressed in the name. Staten Island is an island, but so is Manhattan. Both sentences end with a period. Declarative sentences just state facts.

Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are used to ask a question. Interrogative sentences end in a question mark.

1. Who are you?
2. What did you do in Brooklyn?
3. When did you move to New York?
4. Where do you live?
5. Why did you come to New York to learn English?
6. How is life in New York?

Whenever you are asking a question, you are using an interrogative sentence, which ends in a question mark.

Imperative Sentences

An imperative Sentence gives a command or asks for a request. An imperative Sentence ends with a period or an exclamation point, depending on how forcefully you say any sentence.

Examples:

•  Put the key in the drawer.
•  Wait for me!
•  Please leave your bags by the door.
•  Sit down and be quiet!

Therefore, when we are giving a command or asking for any help or request, imperative sentences are used.

Exclamatory Sentences

When you are surprised, when you are happy, or when you are angry; you use exclamation to express your emotion. 

Example: That is a tall building!

Someone surprised when coming to New York City for the first time and seeing the Empire State Building).

Example: What a beautiful day in New York City!
Here, we are expressing our emotion of happiness after having a very nice day).

Example: He is a fantastic Governor!
Here, we are expressing our satisfaction with the Governor of New York State).

Therefore, exclamatory sentences are used in the case of strong emotions or feelings and use the exclamation point.
• Declarative sentences: information and ends with a period. ( . )
• Interrogative sentences: Questions and ends with a question mark. ( ? )
• Imperative sentences: Gives a command or asks for a request and ends with either an exclamation point or a period. ( ! ) or ( . )
• Exclamatory sentences: Expresses strong feeling or emotions and ends with an exclamation point. ( ! )

Summary:

English Language Institute
College of Staten Island
The City University of New York (CUNY)
elistudy@csi.cuny.edu
https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/center-global-engagement/english-language-institute

* Material prepared by ELI teacher, Mr. Robert Faison.

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The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.

ELI offers semester and summer terms of 18 and 22 hours of class per week. Students can also join the groups that have already started the semester or summer term and study as many weeks as possible. Students have courses such as reading and writing, grammar, conversation, and TOEFL test preparation workshops with a final TOEFL ITP test, which lets students apply for any CUNY school degree.

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Staten Island
Staten Island is about four times the size of Manhattan and has a population of approximately 473,000. It is noted for its parks and recreational areas, in addition to several notable cultural sites. Manhattan and other "boroughs" of New York City are easily accessible by public transportation.

The campus
The College is set on a large campus with woodlands and open spaces in Staten Island. Its attractive facilities include technologically advanced laboratories, a Sports and Recreation Center and a Center for the Performing and Creative Arts.

Campus location
The College is twenty-five minutes by ferry from Manhattan. Our students have easy access to the rich cultural life of the City by way of a ferry shuttle ride located on the CSI campus. The ferry shuttle travels directly to the Staten Island ferry.

ELI academic program

The ELI offers intensive, comprehensive English language instruction and cultural orientation throughout the year. The program covers all aspects of spoken and written English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes are given at three levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Course content includes the proper use of English structures, fluency and accuracy of expression with acceptable pronunciation, listening and reading comprehension, and writing for personal, academic, and professional purposes. Students communicate in English from the first lesson at the beginner level. At all levels they work on integrated skills, focusing on the active, knowledgeable use of the language, rather than mere passive comprehension.

ELI courses:

• Reading & Writing
• Grammar
• Communications (Conversation)
• TOEFL Workshop