When is a Group of Words a Sentence?
When a group of words makes sense and tells a complete thought…
then it’s a sentence.
A sentence has to answer both of these questions:
WHO or What is the sentence about?
What is happening ?
went to the park - This is not a sentence because we don’t know WHO went to the park.
an open field near my house – This is not a sentence because we don’t know WHAT HAPPENED
in the field.
Write Yes before each sentence. Write No before the other groups of words.
_____1. Mike and Ann walked to the park
_____2. On Saturday morning
_____3. A sparkling pond
_____4. Ducks were swimming there
_____5. Two small ducks
_____6. They saw a deer
_____7. Their favorite tree was an apple tree
_____8. Fell from the tree
_____9. The birds ate the crumbs
_____10. One large, juicy apple
Below are groups of words that are only parts of sentences. Use them in a sentence that you make up.
to the zoo ____________________________________________________________
the bear cubs __________________________________________________________
had fun ______________________________________________________________
with my brother ________________________________________________________
a big turtle ____________________________________________________________
© Ellen Gabor, 2003