Writing Basic Sentences in English For Beginners

Writing is an important skill to master when learning English, it is a skill that opens our lives to a world of academic learning, creativity, and the freedom to express ourselves.

In this article, we will look at four different types of sentences to begin the journey of learning/teaching writing in English. Take the time to learn the following symbols in order to understand each type of sentence as these symbols represent the different parts of speech in English.

Symbols

S = subject

Subjects include I/you / he/she/it/we/they and names of people: Juan, Maria, John, etc., or types of people: children, students, parents, teachers, etc.

V = verb

Simple sentences use the verb ‘be’ such as: I am a teacher. / They are funny. Verbs also tell us what we do: read/eat/walk etc. or what we think: believe / hope/want etc.

N = noun

Nouns are objects such as books, tablets, computers, photos, etc. Nouns have singular and plural forms: book - books, child - children, car - cars, etc.

Adj = Adjective

Adjectives tell how someone or something is. For example big, small, tall, interesting, etc.

Prep P = Prepositional phrase

Prepositional phrases tell us where someone or something is. Prepositional phrases are often three words and begin with a preposition: For example: in the car, at the mall, on the floor, etc.

() = Parentheses

If you see something in parentheses () you can use the type of word, or leave it out.

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Sentences with Nouns

Here is the first type of easy sentence. Use the verb 'to be'. If you have one object, use 'a' or 'an' before the object. If you have more than one object, don't use 'a' or 'an'.

S + be + (a) + N

I am a teacher.
She is a student.
They are girls.
We are workers.

Sentences with Adjectives

The next type of sentence uses an adjective to describe the subject of a sentence. Do not use 'a' or 'an' when the sentence ends in an adjective. Do not change the form of the adjective if the subject is plural or singular.

S + be + Adj

Juan is tall.
They are rich.
This is easy.
We are happy.

Sentences with Adjectives + Nouns

Next, combine the two types of sentences. Place the adjective before the noun it modifies. Use 'a' or 'an' with singular objects, or nothing with plural objects.

S + be + (a, an) + Adj + N

He is an educated man.
They are excellent students.
Maria is a happy girl.
Pedro is a loving father.

Add Prepositional Phrases to Your Sentences

The next step is to add short prepositional phrases to tell us where someone or something is. Use 'a' or 'an' or use 'the' before a noun or adjective + noun if the object is singular and specific. 'The' is used when something specific is understood by the person writing and the person reading the sentence. Notice that some sentences are written with adjectives and nouns, and others without.

S + be + (a, an, the) + (adj) + (N) + Prep P

Ximena is in the bedroom.
Maria is the woman in the classroom.
There is a chair at the table.
There are books on the shelf.

Include Other Verbs

Finally, use other verbs than 'be' to express what happens or what people think.

S + V + (a, an, the) + (adj) + (N) + (Prep P)

Pedro plays the guitar in the bedroom.
The teacher writes instructions on the whiteboard.
We eat dinner in the dining room.
They buy groceries at the market.

I hope that you find this article interesting and helpful.

Good luck and good teaching/learning.

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