Mastering Sentence Structures in English: A Simple Guide to Improve Your Writing
Do you ever feel like your writing is a bit unclear or clunky? Improving your sentence structure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your writing more powerful, smooth, and professional.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
What sentence structure is
How to use the most common sentence pattern: SVO (Subject-Verb-Object)
The difference between independent and dependent clauses
How to build stronger, more advanced sentences using clauses and phrases
Let’s get started!
What is Sentence Structure?
Sentence structure refers to how words are arranged in a sentence to form meaning. It’s the skeleton of your sentence — it holds everything together.
Clear sentence structure = clear communication.
The most basic sentence structure in English is SVO:
Subject (S) – who or what the sentence is about
Verb (V) – the action or state
Object (O) – the person or thing receiving the action
Understanding the SVO Sentence Pattern
The SVO structure is the most common way to arrange words in a sentence. It simply means that a sentence has a subject, a verb, and an object. Here’s the breakdown:
Subject (S): The person or thing performing the action.
Verb (V): The action or state of being.
Object (O): The person or thing affected by the action.
SVO Sentence Examples:
The cat chased the mouse.
Subject: The cat
Verb: Chased
Object: The mouse
She reads a book every night.
Subject: She
Verb: Reads
Object: A book
I ate pizza for dinner.
Subject: I
Verb: Ate
Object: Pizza
They watched a movie last night.
Subject: They
Verb: Watched
Object: A movie
He plays the guitar in his free time.
Subject: He
Verb: Plays
Object: The guitar
Note: In every sentence, the subject (the person or thing the sentence is about) performs an action (the verb) on an object (the person or thing that receives the action). The SVO structure is a clear and efficient method for conveying information in English.
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SVO + Clauses: Building Stronger Sentences
1. After finishing her homework, Maria played the piano for an hour.
Subject: Maria
Verb: played
Object: the piano
In this sentence, the subject is Maria, the verb is played, and the object is the piano. However, there is also an additional clause at the beginning of the sentence (After finishing her homework) that describes when Maria played the piano.
2. The professor, who is a renowned scholar in his field, gave a lecture on quantum physics.
Subject: The professor
Verb: gave
Object: a lecture
In this sentence, the subject is the professor, the verb is gave, and the object is a lecture. However, there is also a relative clause (who is a renowned scholar in his field) that provides additional information about the professor.
3. The company, which has been struggling financially, announced a new round of layoffs.
Subject: The company
Verb: announced
Object: a new round of layoffs
In this sentence, the subject is the company, the verb is announced, and the object is a new round of layoffs. However, there is also a relative clause (which has been struggling financially) that provides additional information about the company.
4. The police officer arrested the suspect, who was caught on video stealing from a store.
Subject: The police officer
Verb: arrested
Object: the suspect
In this sentence, the subject is the police officer, the verb is arrested, and the object is the suspect. However, there is also a relative clause (who was caught on video stealing from a store) that provides additional information about the suspect.
5. The scientist conducted an experiment to test the hypothesis, but the results were inconclusive.
Subject: The scientist
Verb: conducted
Object: an experiment
In this sentence, the subject is the scientist, the verb is conducted, and the object is an experiment. However, there is also a coordinating conjunction (but) that introduces a second independent clause (the results were inconclusive), which is not part of the main SVO structure.
6. The CEO announced a new strategy to increase profits, which was met with scepticism by investors.
Subject: The CEO
Verb: announced
Object: a new strategy
In this sentence, the subject is the CEO, the verb is announced, and the object is a new strategy. However, there is also a relative clause (which was met with scepticism by investors) that provides additional information about the strategy.
Examples of Independent Clauses:
An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb (predicate), and it expresses a complete thought. That means it can stand alone as a full sentence.
Examples:
She walked to the store.
This sentence contains a subject (she) and a predicate (walked to the store) that expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The cat slept on the windowsill.
This sentence also contains a subject (the cat) and a predicate (slept on the windowsill) that expresses a complete thought. It can also stand alone as a sentence.I love to read books.
This sentence contains a subject (I) and a predicate (love to read books) that expresses a complete thought. It can also stand alone as a sentence.He drove to the airport to pick up his friend.
This sentence contains a subject (he) and a predicate (drove to the airport to pick up his friend) that expresses a complete thought. It can also stand alone as a sentence.The sun set over the horizon.
This sentence contains a subject (the sun) and a predicate (set over the horizon) that expresses a complete thought. It can also stand alone as a sentence.She opened the door and stepped outside.
This sentence contains two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction (and).
Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.The concert was sold out, so we couldn’t get tickets.
This sentence also contains two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction (so).
Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.He likes to run in the morning, but he prefers to lift weights in the afternoon.
– This sentence contains two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction (but).
Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.They went to the beach, swam in the ocean, and built sandcastles.
This sentence contains three independent clauses separated by commas.
Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.The movie was long and boring, so we left early.
This sentence contains two independent clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction (so).
Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.
Examples of Dependent Clauses:
A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, but it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Examples
After I finish my homework, I can watch TV.
Dependent clause: After I finish my homework
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (after) and contains a subject (I) and a predicate (finish my homework), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to modify the independent clause that follows.
Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
Dependent clause: Because it was raining
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (because) and contains a subject (it) and a predicate (was raining), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to explain the reason for the independent clause that follows.While she was studying for her exam, her roommate was watching TV.
Dependent clause: While she was studying for her exam
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (while) and contains a subject (she) and a predicate (was studying for her exam), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to show the time frame during which the action in the independent clause took place.Although she is a good singer, she was too nervous to perform.
Dependent clause: Although she is a good singer
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (although) and contains a subject (she) and a predicate (is a good singer), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to contrast the information in the independent clause that follows.Before the movie starts, let’s grab some popcorn.
Dependent clause: Before the movie starts
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (before) and contains a subject (the movie) and a predicate (starts), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to show the time frame during which the action in the independent clause will take place.If I finish my work early, I will go for a walk.
Dependent clause: If I finish my work early
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (if) and contains a subject (I) and a predicate (finish my work early), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to describe a hypothetical situation that must occur in order for the independent clause to happen.Whenever I go to the beach, I like to collect seashells.
Dependent clause: Whenever I go to the beach
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (whenever) and contains a subject (I) and a predicate (go to the beach), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to describe the frequency of the independent clause action.Since I started practicing yoga, I feel more relaxed.
Dependent clause: Since I started practicing yoga
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (since) and contains a subject (I) and a predicate (started practicing yoga), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to indicate the reason for the independent clause action.Although it was late, we decided to go out for dinner.
Dependent clause: Although it was late
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (although) and contains a subject (it) and a predicate (was late), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to contrast the information in the independent clause that follows.As long as you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Dependent clause: As long as you study hard
Explanation: This clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (as long as) and contains a subject (you) and a predicate (study hard), but it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It functions as an adverb to describe a necessary condition for the independent clause to occur.
Examples of Prepositional Phrases That Contain an SVO Structure
Note: These sentences include a prepositional phrase (preposition + object) and also contain a subject–verb–object (SVO) structure within the main clause.
In the morning, I like to drink coffee.
Prepositional phrase: In the morning
SVO structure: I (subject) like (verb) coffee (object)
Explanation: “In the morning” modifies the verb “like.” “I” is the subject, “like” is the verb, and “coffee” is the object. “To drink” is an infinitive phrase explaining what is liked.With his help, I finished the project on time.
Prepositional phrases: With his help; on time
SVO structure: I (subject) finished (verb) the project (object)
Explanation: “With his help” adds context to how the action was done. “On time” is another prepositional phrase modifying the verb “finished.”After the game, the team celebrated their victory.
Prepositional phrase: After the game
SVO structure: The team (subject) celebrated (verb) their victory (object)
Explanation: “After the game” sets the time. The SVO structure shows who did what—”the team” celebrated “their victory.”In the park, the children played with their toys.
Prepositional phrases: In the park; with their toys
SVO structure: The children (subject) played (verb)
Explanation: “In the park” and “with their toys” describe where and how the action happened. The direct object is in the second prepositional phrase.
On the stage, the actors performed their play.
Prepositional phrase: On the stage
SVO structure: The actors (subject) performed (verb) their play (object)
Explanation: “On the stage” gives the location. “Their play” is the object of the verb “performed.”
With her mother’s help, the girl finished her homework.
Prepositional phrase: With her mother’s help
SVO structure: The girl (subject) finished (verb) her homework (object)
Explanation: The phrase provides additional context, and the sentence follows the SVO pattern clearly.
In the kitchen, the chef prepared a delicious meal.
Prepositional phrase: In the kitchen
SVO structure: The chef (subject) prepared (verb) a delicious meal (object)
Explanation: The sentence includes a prepositional phrase that tells us where the action happened and follows a clear SVO structure.
Under the bridge, the musicians played their instruments.
Prepositional phrase: Under the bridge
SVO structure: The musicians (subject) played (verb) their instruments (object)
Explanation: “Under the bridge” gives location. The rest is a classic SVO construction.
In all these examples:
The prepositional phrases provide details such as time, place, or manner.
The SVO structure forms the core of the sentence.
These structures work together to create richer, more descriptive sentences.
Examples of Conjunction Phrases That Contain an SVO:
Conjunction phrases connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. While conjunctions themselves do not contain SVO structures, they often link independent clauses that each contain a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure.
- I went to the store, but I forgot to buy bread.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: but I forgot
Explanation: “But” is the conjunction linking two independent clauses: “I went to the store” and “I forgot to buy bread.” The SVO structure in the second clause is “I forgot to buy,” with “bread” as the object of the verb “buy.” She likes to swim, and he likes to run.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: and he likes
Explanation: “And” connects “She likes to swim” and “He likes to run.” The second clause contains the SVO “He likes to run,” with no direct object.We can go to the beach, or we can go to the park.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: or we can go
Explanation: “Or” joins two independent clauses. Each clause contains the SVO “We can go,” and the phrases “to the beach” and “to the park” are prepositional phrases showing destination.The dog barked, so the cat ran away.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: so the cat ran
Explanation: “So” connects “The dog barked” with “The cat ran away.” The second clause has the SVO “The cat ran,” with “away” acting as an adverb of place.She studied hard, yet she failed the test.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: yet she failed
Explanation: “Yet” connects two ideas. The SVO in the second clause is “She failed the test,” where “test” is the object of the verb “failed.”He wants to eat pizza, but he needs to watch his diet.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: but he needs
Explanation: “But” connects “He wants to eat pizza” with “He needs to watch his diet.” The SVO structure in the second clause is “He needs to watch,” with “his diet” as the object.They went to the concert, and they bought some souvenirs.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: and they bought
Explanation: “And” connects two independent clauses. The second clause “They bought some souvenirs” has the SVO “They bought,” and “souvenirs” is the object.She is allergic to dairy, so she can’t eat ice cream.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: so she can’t eat
Explanation: “So” connects the clauses “She is allergic to dairy” and “She can’t eat ice cream.” The SVO structure in the second clause is “She can’t eat,” with “ice cream” as the object.The team won the game, yet they still felt disappointed.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: yet they still felt
Explanation: “Yet” joins two complete thoughts. The SVO structure in the second clause is “They still felt,” and “disappointed” is a predicate adjective describing the subject.He was exhausted, for he had been working all day.
Conjunction phrase with SVO: for he had been working
Explanation: “For” links “He was exhausted” with “He had been working all day.” The SVO structure is “He had been working,” with no direct object.
Examples of tenses that contain an SVO:
Simple Present Tense: I eat vegetables.
SVO structure: I eat
Explanation: In the simple present tense, the subject “I” is paired with the present tense verb “eat,” and “vegetables” acts as the direct object of the verb.Present Continuous Tense: She is eating a sandwich.
SVO structure: She is eating
Explanation: In the present continuous tense, the subject “she” is followed by the auxiliary verb “is” and the present participle “eating.” “A sandwich” is the direct object.Simple Past Tense: He ran a mile.
SVO structure: He ran
Explanation: In the simple past tense, the subject “he” is followed by the past tense verb “ran.” “A mile” is the object that receives the action.Past Continuous Tense: They were playing basketball.
SVO structure: They were playing
Explanation: In the past continuous tense, the subject “they” is followed by the past auxiliary “were” and the present participle “playing.” “Basketball” is the direct object.Present Perfect Tense: We have seen that movie before.
SVO structure: We have seen
Explanation: In the present perfect tense, “we” is the subject, “have seen” is the verb, and “that movie” is the object.Future Simple Tense: She will eat lunch later.
SVO structure: She will eat
Explanation: In the future simple tense, “she” is the subject, and “will eat” is the verb phrase. “Lunch” is the direct object.Present Perfect Continuous Tense: They have been studying for hours.
SVO structure: They have been studying
Explanation: In the present perfect continuous tense, “they” is the subject, and “have been studying” is the verb phrase indicating ongoing action. “For hours” is a time expression, not an object.Past Perfect Tense: He had written a novel before he turned 30.
SVO structure: He had written
Explanation: In the past perfect tense, “he” is the subject, “had written” is the verb, and “a novel” is the direct object.Future Continuous Tense: We will be driving to the beach tomorrow.
SVO structure: We will be driving
Explanation: In the future continuous tense, “we” is the subject, and “will be driving” is the verb phrase. “To the beach” is a prepositional phrase.Present Perfect Simple Tense: She has read that book three times.
SVO structure: She has read
Explanation: In this tense, “she” is the subject, “has read” is the verb, and “that book” is the object.Past Perfect Continuous Tense: They had been waiting for an hour when the train finally arrived.
SVO structure: They had been waiting
Explanation: In the past perfect continuous tense, “they” is the subject, and “had been waiting” is the verb phrase that indicates an action in progress over a period before another past action.- Future Perfect Tense: By next year, she will have finished her project.
SVO structure: She will have finished
Explanation: In the future perfect tense, “she” is the subject, “will have finished” is the verb phrase, and “her project” is the direct object.
Final Thoughts
Every strong writer starts with strong sentence structure. Once you understand how to build sentences using subjects, verbs, objects, and clauses, you’ll see your English writing improve dramatically.
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