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.
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!
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
-
Is Less Writing a Good Thing for Your Student?
Everywhere you look there seems to be some sort of educational reform being proposed, implemented or suggested. In many cases reform is intended to be for the better, but a recent bill being sponsored in Washington state calls for doing away with statewide writing assessments. Is less writing necessarily a good thing?
-
Reading, Writing and Raising Hens?
Your child may have no intention of becoming a farmer. Perhaps even having a garden as an adult is unlikely. Still, as students around the country are learning, when schools add farming to the school day, students benefit in numerous ways.
We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In
Huntington Learning
- What Huntington Learning offers:
- Online and in-center tutoring
- One on one tutoring
- Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
K12
- What K12 offers:
- Online tutoring
- Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
- AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Kaplan Kids
- What Kaplan Kids offers:
- Online tutoring
- Customized learning plans
- Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Kumon
- What Kumon offers:
- In-center tutoring
- Individualized programs for your child
- Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
Sylvan Learning
- What Sylvan Learning offers:
- Online and in-center tutoring
- Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
- Regular assessment and progress reports
Tutor Doctor
- What Tutor Doctor offers:
- In-Home tutoring
- One on one attention by the tutor
- Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
TutorVista
- What TutorVista offers:
- Online tutoring
- Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
- Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations