Parts of a Sentence

Parts of a Sentence refers to the basic building blocks of Standard Written or Spoken English.

Generally speaking, when subject matter experts use the term, Parts of a Sentence, they are referring to

  1. Subjects (S)
  2. Verbs (V)

and, sometimes,

3. Objects (O), either Indirect Objects (IO) or Direct Objects (D0).

Additionally, subject matter experts may referring to Independent Clauses, Dependent Clauses, Phrases

Related Concepts: Parts of Speech


Should I be able to Identify the Parts of a Sentence?

Yes, you do need to be able to identify a subject and a verb in order to distinguish a complete sentence in Standard English from a phrase. See Subjects, Verbs, Objects

Writers, speakers, knowledge workers . . . who aim to communicate with others can benefit from declarative knowledge about the parts of a sentence and mechanics. While the parts of speech are largely learned tacity through dialog, the parts of a sentence are learned in school through the formal study of grammar.

Analysis of the grammar of others helps you understand the range of patterns available to you as a speaker or writer of English. You can use declarative knowledge about composition to edit your own work and the work of others.

You can also develop your own personal style, your unique voice, by having declarative knowledge of grammar, mechanics, sentence patterns, sentence structures, and sentence types.

What is the Difference between Parts of a Sentence and Parts of a Speech?

Parts of a Speech governs grammar at the word level whereas the Parts of a Sentence govern grammar at the sentence level.

Recommended Resources

CCCC Statement on Ebonics. Conference on College Composition and Communication. 6/30/21

Students’ Right to Their Own Language. Conference on College Composition and Communication. (April 1974, reaffirmed November 2003, annotated bibliography added August 2006, reaffirmed November 2014)

Why is Grammar Important? NCTE Position Statement (National Council of Teachers of English. 7/1/2002.

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