Whether a sentence like “birds fly” is considered simple or not depends on how we define “simple sentence”. By examining common criteria for simple sentences and applying them to “birds fly”, we can evaluate whether this sentence meets the standards for simplicity.
What is a Simple Sentence?
A simple sentence contains one independent clause. An independent clause has a subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought. Here are some typical requirements for a simple sentence:
- Contains a subject and predicate
- Expresses a complete thought
- Does not contain any dependent clauses
- Often contains a compound subject or predicate
Simple sentences are important in writing because they provide clear, straightforward information for the reader. Compound and complex sentences have their place too, but simple sentences avoid confusion and keep ideas concise. Let’s see how “birds fly” measures up to the criteria.
Does “Birds Fly” Have a Subject and Predicate?
“Birds” is the simple subject of the sentence. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about. “Fly” is the simple predicate—it expresses the action. Together they form a complete subject and predicate, so “birds fly” fulfills the first requirement of a simple sentence.
Simple Subject and Predicate
| Simple Subject | Simple Predicate |
|---|---|
| Birds | Fly |
Does “Birds Fly” Express a Complete Thought?
“Birds fly” expresses a statement that we can understand without needing additional information. The reader knows the subject (birds) and the action they are taking (flying). There are no gaps in the meaning. Because it conveys a complete idea, “birds fly” meets the second criteria for a simple sentence.
Is There Only One Independent Clause?
“Birds fly” contains just one clause with a subject and predicate. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, which “birds fly” demonstrates. Sentences with more than one independent clause joined by a conjunction (and, but, or) are compound sentences, not simple. So with only one independent clause, “birds fly” satisfies the third requirement.
Does “Birds Fly” Lack Dependent Clauses?
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses often start with words like because, since, if, when, while, after, although, or who. For example: “Although it is raining” or “Because the weather is bad”. “Birds fly” does not contain any dependent clauses, meeting the fourth criteria for a simple sentence.
Can “Birds Fly” Contain a Compound Subject or Predicate?
Simple sentences often feature a compound subject or predicate. A compound subject means having more than one noun as the subject. For example: “Birds and bees fly.” A compound predicate has more than one verb that share a subject. For instance: “Birds fly, sing, and mate.”
“Birds fly” only has a single noun for the subject and one verb for the predicate. However, if we revised it to “Birds and bees fly” or “Birds fly and sing”, it would still qualify as a simple sentence because it still meets the other requirements.
Conclusion: “Birds Fly” Meets the Criteria for a Simple Sentence
Based on the accepted standards, “birds fly” contains the necessary elements of a simple sentence:
- A complete subject and predicate: “Birds” and “fly”
- Expresses a complete thought
- Has just one independent clause
- No dependent clauses
- While not required, it lacks a compound subject or predicate
“Birds fly” conveys a concise, understandable message without extra words needed. Grammarians would affirm that this straightforward sentence qualifies as syntactically simple.
Simple sentences provide clarity and brevity. At the same time, relying too much on short, simple sentences can make writing seem choppy. An effective writer employs a variety of sentence structures, using simple sentences along with compound and complex ones for fluency. Simple sentences like “birds fly” have their place, but must be balanced with other syntactic forms.
When to Use Simple Sentences
Simple sentences shine in these situations:
- Introducing new topics or switching gears in a paragraph
- Highlighting important information
- Adding variety alongside complex sentences
- Crafting short, impactful statements
- Writing for children or English language learners
Let’s look at some examples of effective simple sentences:
Transitioning Between Ideas
“Jack struggled in math class. He decided to hire a tutor.”
Stressing Key Points
“The minimum wage was last raised over a decade ago. Workers are long overdue for a pay increase.”
Mixed with Complex Sentences
“The tantalizing aroma of grandma’s apple pie wafted from the kitchen while the family gathered around the table, eager to indulge in a warm slice.”
Crafting Slogans
“Reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Explaining Concepts to Children
“Fire trucks are red. Police cars are blue and white. Ambulances are often yellow.”
These examples demonstrate the concise, powerful nature of simple sentences. While longer complex sentences have their place, simple sentences deliver key details clearly and directly.
Practice Creating Simple Sentences
To get a better grasp of simple sentences, it can help to practice writing your own. Try taking a complex idea or story and distilling it down into the simplest possible sentences. Notice how removing extra words forces you to focus on the most crucial details. This trains you to craft sentences that convey meaning in the most compact way. Let’s try a few examples:
Original Version
Jack was struggling in his math class at school, feeling frustrated that he could not understand the material and worried about failing, so he decided to find a tutor who had been recommended by his teacher to help explain the concepts he found confusing.
Simple Sentence Version
Jack struggled in math class. He felt frustrated. He was worried about failing. He decided to hire a tutor. The tutor was recommended by his teacher. The tutor could help explain confusing concepts.
Notice how breaking one complex sentence into a series of simple ones highlights the most important details. Now you try turning this longer sentence into individual simple sentences:
Ashley called her grandmother every Sunday evening after dinner to chat about her week, discuss any problems she was having, and hear updates about the rest of the family.
Possible simple sentence breakdown:
Ashley called her grandmother every Sunday evening. She called after dinner. They chatted about Ashley’s week. They discussed any problems. Ashley heard updates about family.
Practicing this way builds familiarity with how simple sentences can communicate the essence of complex ideas. Try writing some original complex sentences and reworking them into properly constructed simple sentences. With time and experience, you will become adept at crafting concise simple sentences.
Common Issues With Simple Sentences
While simple sentences can be powerful tools, it is important to use them correctly. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Sentence fragments: “Birds flying.” The subject is there but the predicate is missing. Fragments lack a complete thought.
- Run-on sentences: “Birds fly they have wings.” Two independent clauses must be separated into two sentences or joined correctly.
- Missing subject or predicate: “Fly high in the sky.” Who or what is flying? The full subject is missing.
- Incorrect word order: “Birds the are flying.” The natural syntax is disrupted.
Being mindful of these mistakes will help you construct sound simple sentences. Always check that your sentences contain a subject and predicate and express a complete idea without fragmentation or run-ons. Following proper word order also improves clarity.
Quiz Yourself on Simple Sentences
Test your simple sentence knowledge by identifying whether the following are syntactically simple or not. Check your understanding:
| Sentence | Simple or Not Simple? |
|---|---|
| The boy ran. | Simple |
| The very fast boy quickly ran to the store. | Simple |
| Mary and Samantha went to the zoo on Tuesday. | Simple |
| The tall giraffe slowly ate leaves from the top of the tree. | Simple |
| Josh won first place and he received a trophy. | Not simple – compound sentence |
| After it rained all night, the sidewalks were wet in the morning. | Not simple – contains dependent clause |
Being able to reliably identify simple sentences will make it easier for you to write with simplicity and clarity.
Read Examples of Simple Sentences
Studying examples of simple sentences found in literature can reinforce the concepts and applications covered so far. Notice how these accomplished writers effectively use short, simple syntax to enhance their prose:
He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish. (Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea)
The water stood cold and flat and sullen in the canals. (Tim O’Brien, In the Lake of the Woods)
Late in the afternoon the six of us sat around the fire and told stories. (Alice Walker, Everyday Use)
Each sentence contains the core elements—subject and predicate, complete thought, independent clause—to be classified as simple. Note how they use strong imagery and impactful language in easy-to-grasp syntax.
Key Takeaways
- Simple sentences express complete thoughts concisely.
- They have a subject and predicate but no dependent clauses.
- Simple sentences are direct but should be balanced with variety.
- They clarify ideas and emphasize key points.
- With practice you can write effective simple sentences.
Tips for Writing Better Simple Sentences
Here are some helpful tips to improve your use of simple sentences:
- Start sentences with the subject: The cat purred loudly. Not Loudly, the cat purred.
- Favor active voice: The manager approved the purchase. Not The purchase was approved by the manager.
- Include sensory details: The clock ticked noisily on the wall. Not The clock was noisy.
- Avoid starting too many sentences the same way: Vary sentence structure.
- Keep them short – about 15-20 words: Be concise.
With practice, you can train yourself to craft crisp, compelling simple sentences. Just remember to balance them out with sentence variety.
Practice Writing Simple Sentences
To improve your simple sentence skills, try these practice exercises:
Exercise 1
Simplify the following wordy sentences into lean simple sentences of 15-20 words:
Wordy: Kristin, exhausted from staying up too late studying the previous night, decided to skip her 9am lecture class and sleep in instead.
Simple: Kristin was exhausted from staying up late. She had been studying. She decided to skip her 9am class. She slept in instead.
Wordy: Out on the hiking trail, Alicia stopped for a quick break to catch her breath, drink some cold water, and admire the beautiful views of the rocky cliffs and vast ocean below.
Simple: Alicia was hiking. She stopped for a break. She caught her breath. She drank cold water. She admired the beautiful views.
Exercise 2
Combine the following choppy simple sentences into one smoothly flowing complex sentence:
Choppy: Lea woke up. She made coffee. She fed the dog. She got ready for work.
Combined: After Lea woke up, she made coffee, fed the dog, and got ready for work.
Choppy: Lightning flashed. Thunder roared. The storm raged all night.
Combined: Lightning flashed and thunder roared as the storm raged all night.
Practicing simplifying complex sentences into properly structured simple ones, and vice versa, will grow your sentence writing skills.
Conclusion
In summary, “birds fly” meets all the criteria of a simple sentence:
- Contains subject (“birds”) and predicate (“fly”)
- Expresses a complete thought
- No dependent clauses
- Single independent clause
While simple sentences are invaluable for their precision and clarity, writing should feature a variety of sentence types. Overusing simple sentences can make writing seem unsophisticated. The best strategy is to mix simple sentences with complex ones for fluency and impact.
Simple sentences like “birds fly” have an elegant efficiency. When used judiciously, they can make writing clearer, stronger, and more engaging. Just remember not to rely exclusively on short simple syntax.
