Key Characteristics of a Complete Sentence

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

What is a Complete Sentence?

A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea. It has a subject and a predicate (verb) that convey a specific message. In other words, a complete sentence is a sentence that stands alone and makes sense on its own.

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze the two options given to determine which one is a complete sentence.

Option A: Emmy works in a rice paddy she plants rice.

This sentence is not a complete sentence. It is a sentence fragment, also known as a dependent clause. A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It usually starts with a subordinating conjunction, such as "because," "although," or "since." In this case, the sentence starts with "Emmy works in a rice paddy," which is a complete sentence, but it is followed by "she plants rice," which is a dependent clause. The two clauses are connected with a comma, but they do not form a complete sentence.

Option B: Turnips and carrots are both root vegetables.

This sentence is a complete sentence. It has a subject ("turnips and carrots") and a predicate ("are both root vegetables"). The subject is a noun phrase that consists of two nouns joined by "and." The predicate is a verb phrase that describes the subject. The sentence expresses a complete thought and makes sense on its own.

Key Characteristics of a Complete Sentence

A complete sentence typically has the following characteristics:

Subject: A noun or pronoun that performs the action described by the verb.
Predicate: A verb or verb phrase that describes the action or state of the subject.
Independent clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
No dependent clauses: A complete sentence does not contain any dependent clauses that cannot stand alone.

Examples of Complete Sentences

Here are some examples of complete sentences:

"The sun is shining brightly in the sky."
"I love to read books on history."
"The capital of France is Paris."
"She is going to the store to buy milk."

Conclusion

In conclusion, a complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea. It has a subject and a predicate that convey a specific message. Option B, "Turnips and carrots are both root vegetables," is a complete sentence because it has a subject and a predicate, and it expresses a complete thought. Option A, "Emmy works in a rice paddy she plants rice," is not a complete sentence because it is a sentence fragment that contains a dependent clause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a complete sentence and a sentence fragment?

A: A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea, while a sentence fragment is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Q: What are the key characteristics of a complete sentence?

A: A complete sentence typically has a subject, a predicate, an independent clause, and no dependent clauses.

Q: Can a complete sentence contain a dependent clause?

A: No, a complete sentence cannot contain a dependent clause. A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Q: What is an example of a complete sentence?

A: "The sun is shining brightly in the sky." This sentence has a subject ("the sun") and a predicate ("is shining brightly in the sky"), and it expresses a complete thought.

References

"English Grammar in Use" by Cambridge University Press
"The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
"Grammar Girl" by Mignon Fogarty
Complete Sentences: A Q&A Guide =====================================

Understanding Complete Sentences

A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea. It has a subject and a predicate (verb) that convey a specific message. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about complete sentences.

Q&A: Complete Sentences

Q: What is the difference between a complete sentence and a sentence fragment?

A: A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea, while a sentence fragment is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. A sentence fragment usually lacks a subject or a verb, or it is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.

Q: What are the key characteristics of a complete sentence?

A: A complete sentence typically has a subject, a predicate, an independent clause, and no dependent clauses. The subject is a noun or pronoun that performs the action described by the verb, while the predicate is a verb or verb phrase that describes the action or state of the subject.

Q: Can a complete sentence contain a dependent clause?

A: No, a complete sentence cannot contain a dependent clause. A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. However, a complete sentence can contain an independent clause, which is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Q: What is an example of a complete sentence?

A: "The sun is shining brightly in the sky." This sentence has a subject ("the sun") and a predicate ("is shining brightly in the sky"), and it expresses a complete thought.

Q: Can a complete sentence be short or long?

A: Yes, a complete sentence can be short or long. For example, "I am happy" is a short complete sentence, while "I am happy because I just got a promotion and I am going to celebrate with my friends" is a longer complete sentence.

Q: Can a complete sentence be in the form of a question?

A: Yes, a complete sentence can be in the form of a question. For example, "Are you going to the store?" is a complete sentence in the form of a question.

Q: Can a complete sentence be in the form of a command?

A: Yes, a complete sentence can be in the form of a command. For example, "Close the door!" is a complete sentence in the form of a command.

Q: Can a complete sentence be in the form of a statement?

A: Yes, a complete sentence can be in the form of a statement. For example, "The weather is nice today" is a complete sentence in the form of a statement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When writing complete sentences, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

Lack of subject: Make sure the sentence has a clear subject that performs the action described by the verb.
Lack of predicate: Make sure the sentence has a clear predicate that describes the action or state of the subject.
Dependent clauses: Avoid using dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Run-on sentences: Avoid using run-on sentences that contain multiple independent clauses without proper punctuation.

Tips for Writing Complete Sentences

When writing complete sentences, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use clear and concise language: Avoid using complex language that can confuse the reader.
Use proper punctuation: Use commas, periods, and other punctuation marks to separate clauses and sentences.
Use active voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice to make the sentence more engaging.
Use varied sentence structure: Use varied sentence structure to keep the reader interested.

Conclusion

In conclusion, complete sentences are an essential part of writing and communication. By understanding the characteristics of complete sentences and avoiding common mistakes, you can write clear and effective sentences that convey your message. Remember to use clear and concise language, proper punctuation, active voice, and varied sentence structure to make your writing engaging and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a complete sentence and a sentence fragment?

A: A complete sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought or idea, while a sentence fragment is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Q: What are the key characteristics of a complete sentence?

A: A complete sentence typically has a subject, a predicate, an independent clause, and no dependent clauses.

Q: Can a complete sentence contain a dependent clause?

A: No, a complete sentence cannot contain a dependent clause.

Q: What is an example of a complete sentence?

A: "The sun is shining brightly in the sky."

References

"English Grammar in Use" by Cambridge University Press
"The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
"Grammar Girl" by Mignon Fogarty