How to Write Sentences at the Elementary Level

Along with learning the alphabet and how to read, you'll also have to learn to write your own sentences. You'll do better at this if you know some of the basics of sentence writing. So, keep reading to learn about some common elements of sentences.

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Writing a Sentence at the Elementary Level

Basic Sentence Requirements

Sentences are groups of words organized together to express a complete thought. When people read your sentences, they should be able to easily understand who or what the sentence is about. To accomplish this, your sentences need to contain the elements listed below.

Subject & Nouns

The subject of a sentence is a noun. Nouns refer to people, places, things and ideas. Every sentence you write must contain subjects & nouns. Basically, the sentence that you write will be about the subject you choose. In the sample sentences below, the subjects are in bold.

The cat ate the meat.
Susan went to the bakery.
The birds flew high.

Verbs

Verbs refer to the action that relates to the subject in your sentence. Just like subjects, a proper sentence has to have a verb. Without a verb, you have an incomplete thought. The verbs are bolded in the examples below.

The dog chased the cat.
David climbs the tree.
The tiger hunts his prey.

Proper Punctuation

You must also use correct punctuation. Punctuation refers to the symbols that go at the end of your sentences. The ones you'll use most often are periods, question marks and exclamation points.

Periods

Use periods (.) at the end of direct statements.

I like ice cream.

Question Marks

Use question marks (?) at the end of direct questions.

What are you doing?

Exclamation Points

Use exclamation points (!) to show excitement, anger or surprise.

That is awesome!

Types of Sentences

It's also helpful to understand the different kinds of sentences you may have to write. The four main types of sentences will use each of the punctuation symbols explained above.

Declarative

A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period.

I ate cereal for breakfast.

Interrogative

An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.

What time is it?

Imperative

An imperative sentence gives a command and ends with a period.

Close the door.

Exclamatory

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feeling and ends with an exclamation point.

The bear is coming!
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