simple sentence
B2Formal, Academic, Educational
Definition
Meaning
A sentence consisting of a single independent clause, containing a subject and a predicate, and expressing a complete thought.
In linguistics and grammar teaching, a clause structure that is not compounded or complexed with other clauses. It may be used in stylistic analysis to describe straightforward, unadorned prose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in the context of grammar instruction and linguistic description. It is not typically used in everyday conversation to describe writing style, though it may be used by editors or teachers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core usage. The concept is identical in both educational systems.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and educational contexts in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + [Verb] + (Object/Complement/Adverbial).A simple sentence contains [one independent clause].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep it simple. (advice, not directly related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in training materials for clear communication: 'Use simple sentences in the executive summary.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, grammar, and education papers/textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare. Primarily used when discussing grammar, e.g., helping a child with homework.
Technical
Core term in descriptive and pedagogical grammar.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teacher asked us to *simple-sentence* the paragraph, identifying each one.
- (Note: This is a rare, non-standard back-formation, primarily used in classroom jargon.)
American English
- The editor told me to *simple-sentence* that convoluted legal text for the brochure.
adverb
British English
- He writes *simple-sentencely*, which is perfect for technical documentation.
- (Note: This is highly non-standard and facetious.)
American English
- (Virtually never used as a standard adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She has a wonderfully *simple-sentence* writing style, very clear and direct.
- (Note: Hyphenated adjectival use is informal and stylistic.)
American English
- The manual's *simple-sentence* structure makes it accessible to all readers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog runs.
- I like tea.
- She is happy.
- My brother and his friend play football in the park every Saturday.
- The sun sets in the west.
- They bought a new car last week.
- Despite the heavy rain, the dedicated marathon runners continued steadily along the route.
- The company's new sustainability policy, announced yesterday, received widespread praise from environmental groups.
- His characteristically laconic and simple-sentence prose belies the profound philosophical complexity of the themes explored.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SIMPLE' = Single Independent Main Phrase (or Predicate) Lacking Extras.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIMPLE SENTENCE IS A BUILDING BLOCK / A SINGLE UNIT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'simple' as 'простой' in a pejorative sense (e.g., 'simple-minded'). It is a neutral grammatical category. The Russian equivalent is 'простое предложение'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a 'short sentence'. A simple sentence can be long if it has many phrases (e.g., 'The tall man from the city with the red hat walked slowly down the long, winding path.').
- Thinking it cannot have compound subjects or verbs (e.g., 'Tom and Jerry ran and jumped.' is still a simple sentence).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a simple sentence?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but not to separate independent clauses. It can have a comma for listing items (e.g., 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.') or after an introductory phrase (e.g., 'In the morning, I exercise.').
Yes. It is an imperative sentence where the subject 'you' is implied. It is a single independent clause expressing a complete thought.
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. An *independent* clause can stand alone as a simple sentence. A simple sentence *is* one independent clause.
They are the foundational unit of syntax. Understanding them is essential for identifying subjects/verbs, avoiding fragments, and later building complex sentences. They are also key for clear, direct communication.