Parts of a Sentence: Basic English Grammar Grades 5, 6, 7, 8

A sentence is composed of several parts that work together to communicate a complete thought. The basic parts of a sentence include:

1. Subject: The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence or is the main topic of the sentence. It can be a single word or a group of words.
2. Verb: The verb is the action word that shows what the subject is doing or the state of being of the subject.
3. Object: The object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb.
4. Adjectives: Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns.
5. Adverbs: Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and usually end in -ly.
6. Prepositions: Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.
7. Conjunctions: Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.
8. Interjections: Interjections are words or phrases used to express strong emotions or sudden reactions.

Understanding the functions of these parts of a sentence is essential to construct clear, concise, and effective communication in writing or speech.

Examples of Each Part of Sentence

Here are some examples of each part of a sentence. The part being discussed in highlighted.

Subject:

The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence or is the main topic of the sentence

• Reena went to the store.
• The dog barks loudly.
• My sister and I love pizza.

Explanation:

In the first example, “Reena” is the subject because she is the one performing the action of going to the store.
In the second example, “The dog” is the subject because it is the one barking loudly.
In the third example, “My sister and I” are the subjects because they are the ones who love pizza.

Verb:

The verb is the action word that shows what the subject is doing or the state of being of the subject.

• Tom is reading a book.
• The sun sets in the west.
• The baby cried all night.

Explanation: In the first example, “went” is the verb because it shows what Mary is doing.
In the second example, “barks” is the verb because it shows what the dog is doing.
In the third example, “love” is the verb because it shows the state of being of my sister and I.

Object:

The object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb

• She bought a new car.
• The cat chased the mouse.
• They watched a movie.

Explanation: In the first example, “the store” is the object because it is where Mary went.
In the second example, “the mouse” is the object because it is what the cat chased.
In the third example, “a movie” is the object because it is what they watched.

Adjectives:

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns.

• The red car is fast.
• She has a beautiful voice.
• The tall boy is playing basketball.

Explanation: In the first example, “red” is the adjective because it describes the car.
In the second example, “beautiful” is the adjective because it describes the voice.
In the third example, “tall” is the adjective because it describes the boy.

Adverbs:

Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and usually end in -ly.

• She sings beautifully.
• The dog barks loudly.
• He ran quickly to catch the bus.

Explanation: In the first example, “beautifully” is the adverb because it modifies the verb “sings.”
In the second example, “loudly” is the adverb because it modifies the verb “barks.”
In the third example, “quickly” is the adverb because it modifies the verb “ran.”

Prepositions:

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence.

• The book is on the table.
• The cat is under the bed.
• The bird flew over the tree.

Explanation: In the first example, “on” is the preposition because it shows the relationship between the book and the table.
In the second example, “under” is the preposition because it shows the relationship between the cat and the bed.
In the third example, “over” is the preposition because it shows the relationship between the bird and the tree.

Conjunctions:

Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.

• I like coffee, but I also like tea.
• She was tired, so she went to bed early.
• He wants to go to the beach, yet he hates swimming.

Explanation: In the first example, “but” is the conjunction because it connects the two clauses.
In the second example, “so” is the conjunction because it connects the cause and effect.
In the third example, “yet” is the conjunction because it connects two contrasting ideas.

Interjections:

Interjections are words or phrases used to express strong emotions or sudden reactions.

• Wow, that was amazing!
• Ouch, that hurts!
• Hey, wait for me!

Explanation: In the first example, “Wow” is the interjection because it expresses amazement.
In the second example, “Ouch” is the interjection because it expresses pain.
In the third example, “Hey” is the interjection because it is used to get someone’s attention.