Sentence Structure
Basics on the topic Sentence Structure
Follow along as Dee and Kala are introduced to all the parts of a complete sentence!
Transcript Sentence Structure
Dee and Kala are waiting in Dr. Pencil’s exam room. They found a simple sentence on the path while hiking around Punctuation Point. Worried it might be hurt, Dee and Kala brought it to the doctor to see if it had all the parts of a complete sentence. Let's help them examine "Sentence Structure". You might already know that a sentence is a group of words that make a complete thought. But in order for the sentence to be complete and correct, it needs certain things to be in the right places. This is also called sentence structure. Correct sentence structure has four main parts. Let's use the example sentence, Kala and Dee go on a hike, to see each part. Sentences always begin with a capital letter in the first word. The first word in this is sentence is 'Kala' so the first letter, K, is capitalized. Sentences have a naming part that names who or what the sentence is about. Here, 'Kala and Dee' is the naming part because it names who the sentence talks about. Sentences also have a telling part that tells more about the naming part. Go on a hike' is the telling part because it tells us more about what Kala and Dee are doing. And lastly, sentences end with a punctuation mark like a period, exclamation mark, or a question mark. This sentence is a statement, so it ends with a period after the last word, hike. Now, let's examine the sentence that Dee and Kala brought in! Where is my dog? Remember, we need four things for a sentence to be complete a capital letter in the first word, a naming part, a telling part, and end punctuation! Does this sentence have a capital letter in the first word? It does! ‘Where’ is the first word, and the W is capitalized. Does this sentence have a naming part? Think carefully, this might be tricky. Yes! 'My dog' is the part of the sentence that names who it is about. How about a telling part? It does! 'Where is' tells us what we want to know about the dog. Finally, does this sentence end with a punctuation mark? No! Dee and Kala's sentence is missing the punctuation mark! Which one belongs at the end: a period, an exclamation mark, or a question mark? A question mark because this sentence is asking a question. Where is my dog? Oh no, this isn't just a sentence, it's a missing poster! While Dee and Kala realize that someone has lost their pup, let's remember! Today we learned about the structure of a simple sentence. Every sentence begins with a capital letter in the first word; has a naming part; has a telling part; and ends with a punctuation mark. "I think that's the dog from our sentence!" "She is here!" "Let's call the phone number and tell them the sentence they've been waiting for.” "We found your dog!"
Sentence Structure exercise
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How many parts are in a complete sentence?
HintsSentences must have a capital letter at the start and punctuation at the end. What else do they need?
In this example, we can see the capital letter and period highlighted, as well as the other important parts. How many parts are there altogether?
SolutionThe four parts that make a complete sentence are:
- a capital letter in the first word
- a naming part
- a telling part
- end punctuation (. ? !)
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What does a sentence need to be complete?
HintsA sentence must have 4 parts.
This sentence has all the parts.
SolutionAs seen in this image, the four parts of a sentence are:
- a capital letter in the first word
- a naming part
- a telling part
- end punctuation (. ? !)
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Which sentences don't follow sentence structure?
HintsCheck that all the sentences have a capital in the first word.
Do all of the sentences have a naming part and a telling part?
There are two correct answers.
Solutiondee buys many toys.
This sentence does not have a capital in the first word, so it is missing a part. The sentence would have all four parts if it looked like:
- Dee buys many toys.
This sentence does not have a naming part, so it doesn't follow sentence structure. The sentence would be complete if it said:
- Kala has cupcakes!
The sentences "Where is my friend going?" and "Kala and Dee go to school." are complete sentences because they have all four parts.
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What part is missing in these sentences?
HintsLook for a sentence that is missing end punctuation.
The four parts of a sentence are:
- a capital in the first word
- a naming part
- a telling part
- end punctuation
Solution- Kala went to the arcade.
- My dog is small.
- Where is the cat?
- Dee has a new friend!
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Which is a complete sentence?
HintsA sentence is a group of words.
A complete sentence has four parts.
Complete sentences have end punctuation.
SolutionThe correct answer is My bed is big.. This is a complete sentence because it is a group of words that show a complete thought.
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Find the naming part and telling part in each sentence.
HintsThe naming part is who or what the sentence is about.
The telling part tells more about the naming part.
In the example, the sentence is about Kala and Dee so that is the naming part. The telling part is "go get ice cream" because it tells more about Kala and Dee.
SolutionDee goes to the store.
- "Dee" is the naming part because that is what the sentence is about.
- The telling part is "goes to the store" because it tells us more about Dee.
Where is my hat?
- "My hat" is the naming part because that is what the sentence is about.
- The telling part is "Where is" because it tells us more about the hat.
Kala likes hiking!
- "Kala" is the naming part because that is what the sentence is about.
- The telling part is "likes hiking" because it tells us more about Kala.
