Subject Verb
Bob ate.
Basics
A sentence is a group of words that expresses an independent thought.
A sentence can consist of several components, two of which are usually a subject and a verb.
A sentence might contain an object and a modifier.
A sentence can be structured in a simple, compound, or complex manner.
Components
A sentence usually includes a subject performing an action.
Subject = noun performing an action
Verb = action word
Bob ate.
A sentence might include an object receiving an action.
Subject = noun performing an action
Verb = action word
Object = noun receiving an action
Bob ate lettuce.
Sometimes a sentence features a verb expressing existence or “state of being.”
Subject = noun
Verb = expresses state of being
Bob is.
A sentence expressing state of being is usually accompanied by a modifier.
Subject = noun
Verb = expresses state of being
Modifier = additional information about state of being
Bob is cold.
Simple
A simple sentence, also known as an independent clause, is a complete thought that can stand alone.
Bob ate lettuce.
Complex
A complex sentence contains an independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence, and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. A prepositional phrase is commonly used as a dependent clause.
Dependent Independent
Because he was hungry, Bob ate lettuce.
Compound
A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses, each of which can stand alone as a complete sentence, joined by a conjunction: and, but, or, so, yet, etc.
Bob ate lettuce, and Betty sipped tea.