complete sentences

[/kəmˈplit ˈsentənsəz/]
nounpl: complete sentences
orações completas / frases completas
1. Grammatically correct sentences that contain both a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought or idea
The teacher asked students to write complete sentences instead of fragments.
A professora pediu aos alunos para escreverem orações completas em vez de fragmentos.
2. Written or spoken statements that have all necessary elements to stand alone as independent units of communication
Complete sentences require a subject and a verb to convey full meaning.
As orações completas exigem um sujeito e um verbo para transmitir significado pleno.
The concept of 'complete sentences' is central to grammar education in both Brazilian and American English-speaking contexts. Teachers emphasize this skill as fundamental to written communication and academic success. In Brazil, this is taught as part of Portuguese language (Língua Portuguesa) curriculum from elementary school onwards, with particular emphasis in standardized tests like ENEM.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
full sentenceswell-formed sentencesindependent clausesgrammatically correct sentences
Antonyms / Antônimos
sentence fragmentsincomplete sentencessentence fragmentsrun-on sentences

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
orações completas / frases completas
Standard term used in schools and grammar instruction
São Paulo
frases inteiras
Alternative colloquial form, sometimes preferred in informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
orações completas
More formal academic usage
Portugal
frases completas / períodos completos
Portuguese variant, may use 'períodos' in formal grammar contexts

Related Words

subjectpredicateclausepunctuationgrammarsyntax

Related Idioms & Phrases

speak in complete sentences
write in complete sentences
express yourself in complete sentences
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