1. Understanding the structure of sentences: This is the most common understanding of "sentence sense." It involves recognizing the basic elements of a sentence (subject, verb, object) and understanding how they relate to each other. This includes things like:
* Subject-verb agreement: Matching the verb form to the subject (e.g., "She *walks* to school" vs. "They *walk* to school")
* Correct word order: Understanding the typical order of words in a sentence (e.g., "The cat sat on the mat" vs. "On the mat sat the cat")
* Punctuation: Using commas, periods, and other punctuation marks correctly to separate and clarify the sentence.
2. Being able to write grammatically correct and coherent sentences: This is often used in the context of writing or language learning. It means having the ability to create sentences that are both grammatically correct and make sense logically. This involves:
* Clarity and conciseness: Using the right words and structures to express your ideas clearly and efficiently.
* Avoiding ambiguity: Making sure the meaning of your sentence is unambiguous and easily understood.
3. Understanding the nuances of language: This is a more advanced concept that involves understanding the subtler meanings of words and phrases, as well as the various ways that sentences can be used to communicate different things. This includes:
* Tone and register: Recognizing the appropriate language for different contexts and audiences.
* Figurative language: Understanding metaphors, similes, and other literary devices.
* Idioms and slang: Recognizing the meanings of common expressions and colloquialisms.
In summary: Sentence sense encompasses understanding the building blocks of sentences, constructing them correctly, and using them effectively to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. It's a skill that develops over time through reading, writing, and speaking.