The Most Common English Sentence Structures

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and opens up endless opportunities on a global scale. Mastering English sentence structures not only boosts your confidence in communication but also enhances the clarity and flow of your writing, especially in the IELTS Writing test. In this article, IDP IELTS provides a detailed breakdown of the most frequently used sentence structures in English.

Sentence structure in English is the grammatical arrangement of words and phrases to form a complete sentence with clear meaning. A sentence may include a subject, verb, object, phrases, and other elements. Depending on the structure, different components are required. Understanding sentence structure helps you express ideas accurately and effectively.

A complete sentence in English typically consists of the following basic elements:

• Subject: The person, thing, or idea performing the action. Example: Ana will come to my house this weekend.

• Verb: The action or state described in the sentence. Example: I am doing my math homework.

• Object: The noun or phrase receiving the action. Example: She reads science fiction books.

• Complement: Adds more information about the subject or object. Example: I am very excited to see the concert tomorrow.

• Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Example: She tells stories very inspiringly.

• Adjective: Describes or modifies a noun. Example: Her voice is so soothing.

• Conjunction: Connects words, phrases, or clauses. Example: I like to drink apple and guava juice.

• Preposition: Shows the relationship between elements (time, place, direction). Example: The book is on the shelf.

• Pronoun: Replaces a noun. Example: She is practicing speaking English.

• Article: Defines nouns as specific or non-specific. Example: A cat is on the roof.

• Interjection: Expresses strong emotion or surprise. Example: Wow, that is incredible!

English sentence structures determine how parts of speech are arranged. Based on purpose and context, sentences are categorized into different types:

• Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause. Example: The sun is blazing bright.

• Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon. Example: He felt a peculiar urge to stay, but he also wanted to go.

• Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma. Example: Because you have faith in yourself, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

• Compound-Complex Sentence: Combines a compound and complex structure, with at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. Example: Even though life can be challenging, there will be light at the end of the tunnel if we never give up.

Here are essential English sentence structures frequently used in everyday writing and speaking:

• Used to + V-infinitive: Expresses past habits or states. Example: I used to dream of studying abroad in the US.

• Be used to / Get used to + V-ing or noun: Expresses familiarity with a situation. Example: I am getting used to living in a new country.

• Too + adj/adv + (for someone) + to do something: Expresses excess or limitation. Example: Her story is too complicated for me to remember all the details.

• Prevent / Stop + someone/something + from + V-ing: Expresses prevention. Example: The government introduced new policies to prevent people from polluting the environment.

• S + V + because + S + V: Explains reasons using clauses. Example: I could not attend the event because I had to finish my essay.

• S + V + because of + noun/gerund/noun phrase: Explains reasons using a phrase. Example: My flight was delayed because of bad weather.

• Prefer + noun/gerund + to + noun/gerund: Expresses preference. Example: She prefers drinking tea to drinking coffee.

• Be amazed/surprised/good/bad + at + noun/gerund: Expresses feelings or skills. Example: I was amazed at Merys cake decorating skills.

• Spend + time/money + on + something: Talks about resource usage. Example: She spent all her money on her favorite manga.

• S + V (+ O): The most basic sentence structure. Examples: He sleeps. Jenny plays the guitar.

• S + V + O + O: Has both direct and indirect objects. Example: The teacher gave us tips to learn English vocabulary.

• S + V + C: Contains a complement to describe the subject. Example: She became a master of computer science.

• S + V + O + C: Describes the object’s condition or result. Example: She made the room clean.

Task: Rearrange the following words into correct sentences. Do not add or remove any words.

1. Helen / giving / some cassettes / Jack / is / on his birthday

2. some new jeans / recently / bought / I

3. does not / this climate / me / suit

4. Diana / beautiful / these days / is becoming / more and more

5. a bright yellow / have painted / they / their front door

6. my purse / under the bed / I found

7. sold / yesterday / to our next door neighbor / the old Renault / Dad

8. our friend / some tulips / us / by express mail / sent

9. in town / Bob / crossing / saw / Mary / the street

10. a bus / took / we / to the airport

Answers:

1. Helen is giving Jack some cassettes on his birthday.

2. I bought some new jeans recently.

3. This climate does not suit me.

4. Diana is becoming more and more beautiful these days.

5. They have painted their front door a bright yellow.

6. I found my purse under the bed.

7. Dad sold the old Renault to our next door neighbor yesterday.

8. Our friend sent us some tulips by express mail.

9. Bob saw Mary crossing the street in town.

10. We took a bus to the airport.

Master English Sentence Structures with IDP

Understanding sentence structure is the foundation of effective communication. It enables you to build grammatically correct and clear sentences for speaking and writing, especially in the IELTS test. Practice regularly using free resources from IDP to enhance your understanding and skills.

When registering for the IELTS test with IDP, you can choose between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. With computer-delivered IELTS, you’ll receive your results within 2 days, and you have the option of IELTS One Skill Retake to improve one specific skill without retaking the whole test.

Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and take advantage of limited-time special offers!