Transcript Notes- Simple Sentences

Grammar Imitation
Lessons
Simple Sentences
Instructions
On each slide you will see a rule for the
sentences you will be imitating.
Copy that rule word for word.
Following the rule will be sample sentences
that follow that rule.
Imitate each of those sentences.
Do not copy the sentences as they are
written. The majority of the sentence must
be your own creation.
How to Imitate a Sentence
Example Sentence:
The quick brown fox jumped over the fence.
First, identify each part of the sentence
The
quick
brown
fox
jumped
article
adjective
adjective
noun
verb
over
the
fence.
prepositional phrase
How to Imitate a Sentence
•
Next, write your own version of the example
sentence!
WRONG:
The quick brown fox jumped over the fence.
(This is an exact copy, not an imitation sentence!)
The quick brown cat jumped over the house.
(This is too close to the example sentence; it needs to be more original!)
There was a fox that jumped over the fence.
(This is not the same in structure as the example sentence!)
How to Imitate a Sentence
CORRECT:
A fast black cat ran around the house.
(This sentence uses the same structure without repeating the same words!)
Finally, double check to make sure that your imitation sentence
matches the example sentence EXACTLY in terms of structure!
A
article
fast
black
cat
ran
around the house.
adjective
adjective
noun
verb
prepositional phrase
Tips
•
Pay attention to the rule being covered. This is the
primary part of your grade!
•
Think through the sentence before you begin writing.
You need to label each part of the example sentence
before you can write your imitation sentence!
•
Handwriting matters! Your letters should be the
correct size and form.
•
Most importantly, be sure that the majority of the
sentence is of your own creation.
Rule #1-Subjects of
Simple Sentences
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a
complete thought.
The subject is the part of the sentence about which
something is said.
The subject is always a noun; a pronoun; or a word,
clause, or phrase that functions as a noun.
The subject and predicate must always agree.
Rule #1- Simple Subject
A simple subject is the subject without its modifiers.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. Wolves howl.
2. They howl for a variety of reasons.
Rule #1-Complete Subject
A complete subject is the subject with all of its modifiers.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. Most wildlife biologists disapprove of breeding
wolves and dogs.
2. A wild wolf can live its entire life without the
influence of human beings.
Rule #1-Compound Subject
A compound subject is made of two or more simple
subjects.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. Dog breeders and veterinarians know that wolf
puppies can be dangerous.
2. A wild wolf and a domesticated dog should always
be kept apart.
Rule #2- Predicates of
Simple Sentences
The predicate, which contains the verb, is the part of the
sentence that says something about the subject.
Rule #2- Simple Predicate
A simple predicate is the verb without its
modifiers.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. A series of earthquakes shook Japan.
2. The most powerful earthquake destroyed
the nuclear power plant.
Rule #2-Complete Predicate
A complete predicate is the simple predicate with all its
modifiers.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. One tremor lasted over five minutes.
2. The tsunami reached a top speed of 800km per
hour.
Rule #3-Distracting Modifiers
Do not be distracted by modifiers or phrases that come
between the subject and predicate.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. The boys near the trees are studying.
2. The girl with braces wins every spelling bee.
Rule #4-Delayed Subjects
A delayed subject occurs in sentences with “There” or
“It” followed by a “be” verb.
These types of sentences are also known as inverted
sentences because the subject comes AFTER the verb
instead of before.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. There was nothing in the refrigerator.
2. It is easy to believe that we will starve.
Delayed Subjects Continued
A delayed subject also occurs in questions.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. Where is my sandwich?
2. When are you going to the store to get more food?
Rule #5-Tricky Compound
Subjects (AND)
A compound subject connect by “and” gets a plural verb.
Imitate the following sentences.
1. John and Bob run track.
2. Suzy and all her friends are cheerleaders.
Rule #5- Tricky Compound
Subjects (OR)
A compound subject connect by “or” matches the verb to
the subject closest to the verb.
•Imitate
the following sentences.
7. John or his friends run the relay each week.
8. Either her friends or Suzy cheers during the JV
games.