What is the definition and an example of a simple sentence?


Quick Answer

A simple sentence has only one independent clause, such as "George ate grapes." An independent clause always contains a subject, which is a noun or pronoun, and a verb.

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Full Answer

An independent clause is one that can stand alone. For instance, "George ate grapes," has the subject "George," the verb "ate" and the direct object "grapes," which is what George ate; it is a complete thought. However, if because is added to the sentence, it becomes a dependent clause: "Because George ate grapes." "Because" makes it dependent on another clause to make sense. A simple sentence cannot have a second independent clause or a dependent clause attached to it.

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