Sentence Structure Basics: Subjects, Verbs & Clauses

Grammar Superpowers: Sentence Building

Mastering Subjects, Verbs, Clauses & Crazy Sentences

The Subject: The "Who" or "What"

The subject is the person, animal, or thing that performs the action in the sentence.

Example: The grumpy cat refused to eat his broccoli.

The Verb: The Action!

The verb tells us what the subject is doing (Action) or being (Linking).

Example: The tiny hamster danced on the computer keyboard.

Quick Check! Spot the Parts

Identify the Subject and the Verb in this sentence:

"THE GIANT PIZZA FLOATED INTO OUTER SPACE."

Subject: The Giant Pizza

Verb: Floated

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that has a Subject and a Verb.

Independent Clause

A complete thought. Can stand alone.

Dependent Clause

Not a complete thought. Needs help.

The Independent Clause

It is strong. It is a complete sentence all by itself.

"The zombie loves tacos."

Compound Sentences

Glue two independent clauses together!

FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Example: The robot tripped, but it kept running.

Practice: Compound Power!

Combine these two sentences using a comma + FANBOYS word (and, but, so):

1. The dragon was tired.

2. He still breathed fire.

Possible Answer: The dragon was tired, but he still breathed fire.

Complex Sentences

One Independent Clause + One Dependent Clause

Look for "Subordinating Conjunctions" like: Because, Since, If, When, While, Until

Example:

"Since the penguin was late, he took a yellow taxi."

Can you spot the difference?

Compound

I wanted ice cream, but the shop was closed.

Complex

Because the shop was closed, I wanted to cry.

Tip: If you see FANBOYS (For, And, But...) in the middle, it's likely Compound!

Review: Build It Phase

1. Start with a Subject & Verb (Simple)

2. Connect two ideas with FANBOYS (Compound)

3. Add a dependent clause for detail (Complex)