English Editing Made Easy

What is a sentence?

Many clients using this English editing service struggle with how to write a sentence. A review of some basic points to consider when writing a sentence may be helpful.

All sentences use a subject and a verb and tell people a complete idea.

Examples of sentences:

1. She is a student.
2. It’s cold today.
3. He looks happy.
4. He bought a new shirt.
5. The lady bought a new house.
6. Are you hungry?
7. Where did you buy your new car?

Not sentences:

1. Windy weather (no verb)
2. Since it snowed (not a complete idea)
3. Is very thin (no subject)
4. The lady bought (not a complete idea)
5. Each day after lunch (no subject, no verb)

QUIZ

Are these sentences?

1. It very windy today.
2. It is very cold today.
3. This shirt too big.
4. This coat fits me.
5. My friend from India.
6. When she arrived.
7. He wants to exercise every day.
8. He didn’t like
9. Enjoys exercising every day.
10. She doesn’t want.

Check the answers below

Subjects and verbs are the most important parts of a sentence.

The subject tells who or what did something. A subject is a noun or pronoun.

Examples of subjects:

1. The man lost the keys to his house.
2. My friend could not find her car.
3. Running and cycling are my favourite sports.

Verbs often tell the action.

Examples:

1. My friend runs every day.
2. His girlfriend bought a new dress.
3. The family lives in an apartment.

Verbs sometimes link the subject to the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

Running is my favourite exercise.

She feels unhappy.

I am happy that my friend is a good runner.

Common linking verbs:

is, are, be, become, look, feel, seem, taste, smell, sound

Answers to “Are these sentences?”

1. No. (There is no verb.)
2. Yes.
3. No. (There is no verb.)
4. Yes.
5. No. (There is no verb.)
6. No. (It is not a complete idea.)
7. Yes.
8. No. (It is not a complete idea.)
9. No. (There is no subject.)
10. No. (It is not a complete idea.)

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