SENTENCE STRUCTURE

As we know already that words are building blocks, they combine together to make phrases, and sentences. So far we have discussed words in details. Let us now look at the structure of English language. In coming section we will see how sentences are formed. A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. Unlike a phrase, it can stand alone and make full sense without the help of any additional words.

The Two Parts of the Sentence
Every sentence consists of two parts. Here are five examples in which the two parts of
each sentence are highlighted in such a way as to mark each part off from the other.
i. OUR NEIGHBOUR plays football.
ii. I was given a pay rise after my twenty-first birthday.
iii. HE sold his property
iv. WE saw two bikes racing.
v. THE GROUND shifted. As you can see, both parts are necessary. Take away either
and the part that is left does not express a complete thought. In other words, if
either part is missing, the part that is left is not a sentence.

1. OUR NEIGHBOUR does not express a complete thought. Therefore, it is not a sentence. 2. Plays football does not express a complete thought. Therefore it is not a sentence. 3. HE does not express a complete thought. Therefore, it is not a sentence. 4. Sold his property does not express a complete thought. Therefore, it is not a sentence.