1. Subject: This is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about. It tells us *who* or *what* is doing the action.
2. Verb: This is the action word that tells us what the subject is doing or being. It shows *what* is happening.
3. Complete Thought: The sentence must express a complete idea that makes sense on its own. It should answer a question, like "What happened?" or "Who is it?"
Example:
* The cat sat on the mat.
* Subject: Cat
* Verb: Sat
* Complete Thought: The sentence tells us what the cat did (sat) and where it sat (on the mat).
Incomplete Sentences:
* Sentences missing any of these elements are incomplete.
Examples:
* On the mat. (Missing subject and verb)
* The cat sat. (Missing complete thought – where did it sit?)
* The cat. (Missing verb and complete thought)
Additional Notes:
* Sentences can also have other parts, like objects, adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions, but the subject and verb are always essential.
* A sentence can be simple (one independent clause) or complex (multiple clauses). However, each clause within a complex sentence still needs a subject and verb.
* There are exceptions to the rules, like in poetry or very informal writing, but in general, a complete sentence should follow these guidelines.