Each word in a sentence must serve a particular function, and the order of those words make a sentence complete. The strength of the sentence depends on its overall syntax and grammar. Dissecting a sentence involves identifying each word and the function it serves. Making sure each sentence contains a subject, action phrase and whole idea is the final test in identifying a complete sentence, says Cabrillo College.
Step 1
Find the subject of the sentence. The subject is typically the noun -- the person, place or thing -- in the sentence. "Fred," the person, is the subject of the sentence "Fred likes reading," for example.
Step 2
Find the verb phrase. The verb is the word — or words — that denote the action in each sentence. More specifically, a verb phrase is composed of multiple words to make up the action.
Step 3
Look for adjectives. Adjectives are the descriptive elements of each sentence. "Brown," the description, is the adjective in the sentence "Brown bunnies hop," for instance.
Step 4
Search for pronouns. Pronouns are modifications -- and replacements -- for standard nouns. Some examples of pronouns are: I, he or she, him, her, you, them.
Step 5
Look for adverbs. Adverbs modify the standard verb by describing how and when the action is taking place. "Eat" is a verb. If someone says that that you "eat enthusiastically," the word "enthusiastically" is an adverb.