Simple sentences (one-member and two-member sentences)
![3INTRODUCTION
According to the structure simple sentences are divided into two-member
sentences and one-member sentences. A two member sentence has two members –
a subject and a predicate. It is necessary to state that a two-member sentence may
be complete and incomplete. A one member sentence is a sentence which has only
one member. This member is not considered to be either the subject or the
predicate. Simple sentences both two-member and one-member can be unextended
and extended. An extended sentence has only primary or principal parts. An
extended sentence consists of the subject and one or more secondary parts (objects,
attributes, or adverbial modifiers). All syntactical constructions can be classified
according to the structural, semantical and pragmatical aspects. It is necessary to
state that in the structural classification of the sentence the functional signs are
considered to be the main parts. From this point of view the structure of the
sentence can be classified according to the division of a one member sentence, a
two member sentence, an extended sentence, an unextended sentence etc. Each
sentence carries a relevant compete thought. The content of a sentence is actualized
with a help of its predicate which is considered to be its undividable part. The
predicativity is a syntactical category which forms a sentence. This category helps
to give the information which connects the events with the reality. It is necessary to
state that the connection with the reality is relevant in each sentence. The sentence
turns into a unit of a sent information, but separately, or in the isolated form it is
not a unit of communication. Because inside a sentence communication cannot be
observed. It states the importance of the fact that an only sentence can not be
considered to carry out experiments or investigations. From this point of view
nowadays the investigation tends to be carried out using texts either macro, or
micro. The decision of the President of December 10, 2012 "On measures to
further improve the system of learning foreign languages" is of great importance in
raising the reforms implemented in the education system to a new level and further
increasing the intellectual potential of young people [1,34].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_3.png?v=1)
![5CHAPTER I. CLASSIFICATION OF THE SENTENCES
1.1. Sentences and its components
Sentence structure pertains to the grammatical arrangement of words in a
sentence. It provides a framework for the placement and organization of various
components of a sentence to create meaningful and grammatically correct
sentences. The Collins Dictionary defines sentence structure as the grammatical
arrangement of words in sentences. Essentially, the sentence structure determines
the composition and flow of a sentence.
Basic Components and Elements of a Sentence
Before delving into the intricacies of sentence structure, it is essential to
understand the fundamental structure and components of a sentence.
Elements of a Sentence
In the English language, a sentence is composed of at least a subject and a
predicate. In simple terms, a sentence should have a subject, the doer of the action,
and a verb, the action or state of being.
Subject
The subject of a sentence is usually a noun or a pronoun that performs or receives
the action. It's the 'who' or 'what' the sentence is about. For example:
The dog is barking.
My sister is studying.
Today is Monday.
Predicate
The predicate of a sentence contains the verb and expresses the action or state of
being of the subject. For example:
John likes to read books.
My brother plays the guitar.
The cat is sleeping on the sofa [1,117].
Components of a Sentence](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_5.png?v=1)
![7 Direct Object
Indirect Object
Direct Object [2,224].
The direct object is the noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of the
verb. It answers the question 'what'. The direct object usually follows the verb. For
example:
Samantha baked a delicious cake.
I love chocolate ice cream.
He read an interesting book.
They watched a movie.
Indirect Object
The indirect object is the noun or pronoun that indirectly receives the action of the
verb. It answers the question 'to whom' or 'for whom'. The indirect object is usually
placed between the verb and the direct object. For example:
She gave her friend a gift.
I sent my parents a postcard.
He bought his sister a doll.
They made us dinner.
Complement
A complement in a sentence is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a
sentence. A complement can be an adjective, a noun, a pronoun, or a prepositional
phrase. For example:
The soup tastes salty.
She is a doctor.
That's my car, the red one.
Complements can further be classified into two types based on the component they
are referring to:
Subject Complement
Object Complement](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_7.png?v=1)
![8 Subject Complement [3,113].
A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes
or renames the subject. For example:
She is a doctor.
I am happy.
The sky is blue.
He is a good player.
Object Complement
An object complement is a word or phrase that follows and modifies or refers to a
direct object. For example:
They elected him president.
She painted the wall red.
I consider him my best friend.
We named our dog Max.
Adjunct
An adjunct is a word, phrase, or clause that provides additional information about
an action, event, or description in a sentence. It often provides details about 'how',
'when', 'where', 'why', 'how often', or 'to what extent'. Adjuncts can be placed at the
beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. For example:
Yesterday, I went to the park.
I am very tired.
Because of the rain, the match was cancelled.
He runs every morning.
This exercise is quite challenging.
Different Sentence Structures in English Grammar
In English grammar, there are several types of sentence structures that can be used
to make your sentences more organized and interesting. Here are some common
sentence structures:
Subject + Verb (SV)](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_8.png?v=1)
![9 Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)
Subject + Verb + Complement (SVC)
Subject + Verb + Adjunct (SVA)
Subject + Verb + Object + Complement (SVOC)
Subject + Verb + Object + Adjunct (SVOA)
Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object (SVIODO)
Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Complement (ASVC)
Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Object (ASVO)
Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object (ASVIODO)
Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Adjunct (SVAA)
Adjunct + Subject + Verb + Adjunct + Adjunct (ASVAA) [4,57].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_9.png?v=1)
![11 What a shame! (regret)
What a beautiful scene! (wonder) [5,95].
Classification According to Structure
Simple Sentences : There is only one subject one predicate and one finite verb in a
simple sentence. It contains only one independent clause. For example :
She sings (She is the subject and sings is the predicate)
The dog ran after the ball (Dog is the subject and ran after the ball is the
predicate).
Either subject or verb can be compound (meaning two or more), but the key is
there always remains only ONE independent clause. For example:
Blue is her favourite colour.
Blue and Red are her favourite colours.
Sam loves and hates pink.
The examples above are all simple sentences, though some contain compound
elements.
Example one has a simple subject (Blue) and a simple verb(is).
Example two has a compound subject (Blue and Red) and a simple verb (are).
Example three has a simple subject (Sam) and a compound verb (loves and hates).
However, they are all still considered simple sentences because there is no
dependent clause that can stand alone.
Compound Sentences : There are two or more independent/main clauses in a
compound sentence. A comma, a colon, a semi-colon is used to join these clauses.
Conjunctions used to join similar elements (e.g. two nouns, two verbs, two
modifiers) are called coordinating conjunctions (Here is a list of co-ordinating
conjunctions for future compound sentences you will write: for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so. An easy way to remember these is the acronym FANBOYS.)
It rained heavily throughout the day; consequently, the city was flooded
The thief ran to escape but the police caught him
The winter set in, it was cold and we took out woollens from the cupboard](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_11.png?v=1)
![13Some more examples
Jay’s mother went to the store because it’s his birthday, and she bought him
a present.
The team captain jumped for joy and the fans cheered because we won the
state championship [6,41].
Subject-Verb Agreement
In a grammatically correct sentence, the subject and finite (main) verb are always
in agreement with each other in the present tense. For example,
The dog plays with the ball.
The dogs play with the ball.
Rules for subject-verb agreement
1. The subject and the verb agree with each other. The agreement is not affected by
the phrase in between them. For example,
Polly, who is a dentist, loves to eat candies.
The teachers, as well as the Principal, want to attend the book fair.
One of the team members is sick.
2. In case the subject is composed of compound nouns or pronouns connected with
“and” always use a plural verb. For example,
Carol and Sheila are skating in the rink.
He and his brother work in the same organization.
The Prime minister and the President are both in agreement over the issue.
3. In case the subject is composed of two or more singular nouns or pronouns
connected with “or”/ “nor” always use a singular verb. For example,
David or Jane is in-charge of this project.
Pink or Red is the theme colour of the party.
Love or hate is a strong emotion.
4. In the case of both singular and plural subjects connected with “or”/ “nor” the
verb agrees with the part of the subject closer to the verb. For example,](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_13.png?v=1)
![14 My sister or her colleagues are going on a trip.
Her colleagues or my sister is going on a trip.
Neither Taylor nor Selena won the Grammy’s this year.
5. Don’t is always used with the plural subject and “Doesn’t” is used with a
singular subject. (exception to the rule, I and You) For example,
Roses don’t bloom in winters.
The train doesn’t stop at the station for long.
They don’t want to attend the meeting in the afternoon.
He doesn’t like to attend the meeting in the afternoon.
6. Collective nouns like group, team, class require singular verbs. For example,
The Indian Army is the pride of our nation.
The class is dismissed.
The jury is not convinced with the evidence.
7. Words such as each, everyone, anyone, no one, nobody, anybody, everybody
require a singular verb. For example,
Everybody is invited to the party.
No one is left behind.
Each one of the boxes is sealed.
Anyone wants to eat chocolate.
8. In Sentences beginning with there the verb agrees with the subject that comes
after the verb. For example,
There is no sugar in the pot.
There are ripe mangoes in the refrigerator.
9. Nouns which have two parts always require a plural verb. For example,
These cotton trousers are expensive.
Scissors are made of steel.
My shoes are biting my toes.
Be careful the tongs are hot [7,88].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_14.png?v=1)
![15Sentences can be classified according to their structural, semantic and pragmatic
properties. In this lecture we will deal with structural classifications. One
traditional scheme for classifying English sentences is by the number and types of
finite clauses: sentences are divided into simple and composite, the latter
consisting of two more clauses. Composite sentences will be the subject of the next
lecture, and here we will focus on classifications of simple sentences. Simple
sentences are usually classified into one-member and two-member. This distinction
is based on a difference in the main parts of a sentence. One-member sentences do
not contain two such separate parts; in these sentences there is only one main part
(e.g. Silence! Come here!) Such sentences contain neither the subject nor the
predicate. Instead there is only one main part. It is a disputed point whether the
main part of such a sentence should, or should not, be termed subject in some
cases, and predicate, in others. As it was pointed out by academician
V.Vinogradov, grammatical subject and grammatical predicate are correlative
notions and the terms are meaningless outside their relation to each other. He
suggested that for onemember sentences, the term "main part" should be used,
without giving it any more specific name. Prof. Blokh, however, does not accept
this approach because, in his view, it is based on an inadequate presupposition that
in the system of language there is a strictly defined, "absolute" demarcation line
between the two types of constructions. Instead he suggests that all simple
sentences of English be divided into two-axis constructions and one-axis
constructions. In a two-axis sentence, the subject axis and the predicate axis are
directly and explicitly expressed in the outer structure. In a one-axis sentence only
one axis or its part is explicitly expressed, the other one being non-presented in the
outer structure of the sentence [8,37].
However, this point of view is not widely accepted, so we shall adhere to the
traditional approach. One-member sentences are further divided into: a) nominal or
"naming" sentences; b) infinitival sentences. Nominal sentences name a person or
thing. The main member in such sentences is expressed by a noun. e.g. Winter.
Snow. The main member of infinitival sentences is expressed by an infinitive.](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_15.png?v=1)
![16Infinitival sentences are fairly common in spoken English and literary prose. Like
other units of predicative value, they can communicate not only their denotative
meaning but also the connotative suggestions of various circumstances of their use.
e.g. To talk like that to your own mother! To have eloped with a butler! One-
member sentences should be kept apart from two-member sentences with either the
subject or the predicate omitted, i.e. from elliptical sentences. Ellipsis in sentence-
structure is a natural syntactic process in linguistic development presented as
normal practices in many, if not all, languages. In terms of traditional grammar,
elliptical sentences are generally identified as sentences with the subject or
predicate missing. Some grammarians hold another point of view recognising
ellipsis also in sentences where the secondary parts of the sentence are felt as
missing. Such was A. M. Peshkovsky' s treatment of elliptical sentences in
Russian. This view was also shared by B. Ilyish, L. S. Barkhudarov and D. A.
Shtellіng in regards to English. And this is the view we shall adhere to in our
course. So an elliptical sentence is a sentence with one or more of its parts left out,
which can be unambiguously inferred from the context. The main sphere of
elliptical sentences is dialogue. e.g. Where are you going? – To the movies. In
terms of structure the following types of elliptical sentences are singled out:
a) omission of the subject: e.g. Hope to see you soon.
b) omission of the predicate in patterns with there is, there are, e. g. Too many
mistakes, I am afraid.
c) omission of auxiliary, copulative and other function verbs, e. g. You like it here?
d) omission of the subject and auxiliary verb, e. g. Hear me?
e) omission of the subject and the copula-verb, e. g. Glad to see you again [9,72].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_16.png?v=1)
![20The vast stretch of lion-coloured sands; the vaster stretch of tumbling grey sea; the
wind; and one small barelegged figure on the sand. (Bennett.) What a still, hot,
perfect day! (В г о n t ё.) No sound of train or car or airplane, no human sound, no
sound of any fourfooted thing... (Galsworthy.) “Two teas”, he said: “and two of
those nougat things.” (Galsworthy.) A thunderstorm? Let’s look for shelter
[10,115].
Imperative sentences with the predicate verb in the imperative mood also
belong to one-member sentences. Although the subject of the imperative sentence
is not expressed, it is clear that the action of the verb refers to the 2nd person (the
person addressed.) “Come here!” said the man with the wooden leg... (Dickens.)
“Don’t wait for me.” (Galsworthy.) “Don’t laugh at me, Tom,” said Maggie in a
passionate tone... (Eliot.) “Bring me that cigarette case...” (Wilde.)
When the subject is occasionally expressed, the imperative sentence is a two-
member sentence:
“Don’t you believe him.” (M a u g h a m.)
One-member sentences may comprise an infinitive in the function of its leading
member. Such sentences are usually emotionally coloured:
“To put a child in that position!” (Galsworthy.) Only to think of it! (Galsworthy.)
Also in:
Why not go there immediately? How tell him! (G a 1 s- worthy.) How keep
definite direction without a compass, in the dark! (Galsworthy.)
One-member sentences may also be formed by: Words of affirmation and
negation.— yes, no:
“Did you leave the dove cage unlocked?” I asked.— “Yes.” (Hemingway.) “You’ll
let me go?” —“No.” (Galsworthy.)](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_20.png?v=1)
![21Modal words such as certainly, of course, (all) right, sure, etc. when they are used
independently but not inserted parenthetically into a sentence:
“But, mother, do you really think it’s a good idea?” said Laura... — “Of course!”
(Mansfield.) “You’re like a surgeon who wants every sympton before he can give
his diagnosis.” “Exactly. That expresses it.” (Doyle.) “Make like a bird for Trinity
College.” — “Right, sir,” said the cabman. (Bennett.) Set expressions of polite
address also form one- member sentences. They may be traced back to elliptical
sentences but in Modern English the ellipsis is no longer felt:
Thank you! Sorry! Please. Never mind. Not at all.
“Have a drink?” — “Thanks, very much!” (Galsworthy.) [11,69].
The grammatical organisation of one-member sentences has its own traits. Such
patterns should naturally be distinguished from two-member sentences with either
the subject or the predicate omitted as the case is with ellipsis in sentence-
structure. Synsemantic in character, one-member sentences cover a wide and most
varied range of meanings. The context, linguistic or situational, is generally
explicit enough to make the grammatical content of the sentence clear. One-
member sentences have no separate subject and predicate but one "main" only
instead. It seems reasonable to make distinction between a) nominal or "naming"
sentences and b) infinitival sentences. Nominal sentences name a person or thing.
They are fairly common in direct address, m so-called "word-representations" used
to call up the image of the object in the mind of the readers or the person spoken
to. Examples, easily multiplied, are the following:
"Have you noticed Box I — the lady in white satin with the green lace shawl?"
"Yes". Berenice raised her glasses.
"Mrs, Frank Algernon Cowperwood, the wife of the Chicago millionaire. (Dreiser)
The modal meaning of appraisal in one-member sentences is to a considerable
extent connected with the use of noun determiners, the definite article, in](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_21.png?v=1)
![23Nominal sentences may follow one another in immediate succession, thus making
up a string of co-ordinated nominal sentences, as for instance:
... A blue suit, a velour hat, some brown shoes, three pairs of socks with two holes
in them, four shirts only a little grayed at the cuffs, two black-and-white ties, six
collars, not two new, some handkerchiefs, two vests beautifully thick, two pairs of
pants, and brown overcoat with a belt and just two or three nice little stains.
(Galsworthy) [12,44].
In Grammar books one-member sentences are often referred to as elliptical, with
some items "understood" or "felt as missing". This, however, must be taken with
much reservation, since it is not always possible to supply the missing part from
the immediate syntactic environment, and there is insufficient justification for
taking ellipsis into account. Nominal sentences may be coordinated and make up a
composite structure with the implication of various adverbial relations, causal or
resultative, in particular, signalled by the context, situational of linguistic, the
lexical meaning of words, in particular, e. g.:
Ah! Well! Another long heartache in the world — Poor Dinny! (Galsworthy)
Modal meanings are known to be expressed by structural elements of different
linguistic levels. Indicating some kind of attitude of the speaker concerning the
reality of what is expressed in predication, modality is, in fact, a regular structural
feature of any sentence. The same is true of one-member sentences. In these terms
we distinguish:
(a) "Classical" nominal sentences naming an object of reality, asserting or denying
its being. This is the same kind of modality as we find in two member verbal
sentences when predication is expressed by the verb-form of the Indicative Mood.
Compare the following for illustration:
"A black night", master.
Cf. It is a black night.](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_23.png?v=1)
![25The anomalous and unprotected nature of a room where one was nut known. The
look of it. Subsequent explanation to her mother and sister maybe. (Dreiser)
Dizzily, I lauded my knuckless once more again on Gavin's buttons. Dazzling,
lights, shouts, rockets, in the sky... Heley's comet, perhaps! (Cronin)
A scandal! A possible scandal! (Galsworthy)
John... heard a car drive up. The lawyers again about some nonsense. (Galsworthy)
(e) One-member conditional sentences. Condition and consequence are contracted
to each other, the former is expressed by a nominal one- member sentence and the
latter by a two-member one. Reality or irreality will be indicated by the mood in
which the verb of the two-member sentence is used in the given context [13,228].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_25.png?v=1)
![262.2. Two-member sentences
The basic pattern of a simple sentence in English is one subject-predicate unit,
that is, it has two main (principal) positions: those of the subject and of the
predicate. It is the pattern of a two-member sentence. There are several variations
of this basic pattern, depending mainly on the kind of verb occupying the predicate
position. The verb in the predicate position may be intransitive, transitive,
ditransitive or a link verb. Here are the main variants of the fundamental (basic)
pattern:
1. John ran.
2. John is a student.
3. John is clever.
4. John learned French.
5. John gives Mary his books.
6. We found John guilty.
7. We found John a bore [14,205].
The basic pattern may be unextended or extended. An unextended sentence
contains two main positions of the basic pattern, that of the subject and tlie
predicate.
Mary laughed.
Mary is a doctor.
Mary is happy.
An extended sentence may contain various optional elements (including attributes,
certain kinds of prepositional objects and adverbial modifiers).
John ran quickly to me.
My friend John is a very kind student.](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_26.png?v=1)
![29A two-member sentence is classed as complete when it has both main members of
the sentence — a subject and a predicate physically present in the sentence: They
(the subject) speak (the predicate) English well. A two-member sentence is classed
as elliptical (incomplete) when either of or even both main members of the
sentence are absent from the sentence structure but can be easily recovered.
Ellipsis (grammatical omission) regularly occurs in conversation in replies and
questions. Here are some examples of elliptical sentences, with an indication of
what has been omitted:
Who's done it? — Tom (has done it). (The predicate is missing.)
Will she come? — (I) Hope so. (The subject is missing.)
How do you feel? — (I feel) Strange (The subject and a part of the predicate are
missing.)
Where have you sprung from? — (I've sprung from the) Back yard. (Both the
subject and the predicate are physically absent from the structure of the sentence.)
[15,103].](https://docx.uz/documents/de2bf4ac-38d8-4887-b585-2b6def9a6fc2/page_29.png?v=1)
Simple sentences (one-member and two-member sentences)