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Understanding Sentence Basics

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. To write effective sentences, you first need to understand the basic parts, starting with the subject and the verb.

Parts of a Sentence

Subject: The subject tells who or what is doing something.

Verb: The verb (also called the predicate) expresses action or links the subject to another part of the sentence.

Tornadoes stalk the Great Plains.
(action verb)

They are frequent visitors to Tornado Alley.
(linking verb)