Types of Sentence
Definition of a Sentence
A sentence
is a group of words that gives a complete thought, sense, or meaning. A sentence
at least has a subject and a predicate. A sentence can be a statement, a question, an exclamation, or a command.
A
group of words without a subject and a predicate can’t be a sentence. Except for the two main parts, a group of words does not give a complete sense.
Let
me give you an example. ‘Standing by the gate’ is a group of words, but it does
not give a complete sense. ‘I appreciated him.’ It is also a group of words and
it gives a complete sense, so it is a sentence.
Types of Sentences
Grammarians have categorized sentences into two main categories. The two main categories are based on their functions and their structures. When we talk about types of sentences, there are four types of sentences based on their functions and four types based on their structures. Generally, we say that there are four types of sentences.
Types of Sentences Based on Function
Declarative Sentences
A
declarative sentence is a sentence that is used to convey a piece of
information, state a fact, or make a statement. We use a full stop or period at
the end of a declarative sentence. It needs at least a subject and a predicate.
- She is cooking something.
- We don’t like her cooking.
- It is to inform you that I want to resign.
- We have to join them if we want to defeat them.
Formation of Declarative Sentences
Subject
+ Verb + Object + ….
To
form a declarative sentence, we use the above pattern. Sometimes, we
don’t need to use an object. We can also add other parts like phrases, subordinate
clauses, etc. In negative declarative sentences, we use not or other words of
negations.
Related Tips
- Some declarative clauses are used as questions to clarify information. If the question mark and full stop are interchanged and the sentences work in both cases, we call that sentence a declarative sentence.
- Indirect questions are declarative sentences, and their word order is the same as declarative sentences.
Imperative Sentences
We
define a command sentence as a sentence that we use to give a command, give
instruction, make a request, or give advice. We use a command sentence when we
tell someone to do something. It is punctuated with a full stop or exclamation
mark.
- Keep silence.
- Turn left and walk straight.
- Give this pen to Mr. Ali, please.
- Study hard to get better results.
Formation of Command Sentences
There
are three main elements that we use to construct a command sentence.
Implied
Subject
An implied
subject is an understood subject that is not stated in a sentence. A command
sentence has an implied subject as it looks as if it does not have a subject, but
everyone is known to the subject.
Imperative
Verb
A
command sentence begins with an imperative verb or infinitive without ‘to’. It
can be a single verb or the verb can be followed by the rest of the predicate.
Punctuation
Marks
We
use a full stop at the end of a command sentence or a sign of exclamation, especially for emphasis.
- (You) Pay your full attention.
- Try your best to convince him.
- Get out of my sight!
We
use "do not" at the beginning to make negative commands. Also, remember that
there are some exceptional cases in which we don’t follow the above rules
exactly. To know about that visit Study English Page and study command
sentences.
Related Tips
- A conditional command is a command that has a conditional clause too. In this case, a command is given under the condition it has in the main clause.
- Commands can be softened by using the word ‘please’ or turning it into questions.
Interrogative Sentences
A
sentence that is used to find out about something is called a question or an
interrogative sentence. It always needs an answer. Interrogative sentences end
with question marks or signs of interrogation. Interrogative
sentences of questions are used for the same purpose; they are just two terms.
- Does he run his own business?
- Can you tell me an interesting story?
- Will you be able to attend the meeting?
- When do they arrange meetings at the office?
There
are four basic types of questions. They are Yes/No questions, Wh-questions,
Choice questions, and Tag questions.
Yes/No questions are answered by Yes/No. Wh-questions are used to get information and
begin with question words like when, where, who, etc. Choice questions offer
choices, and they have their answers in the questions. A tag question is used to confirm the information and is used at the end of a declarative sentence preceded by a comma.
Formation of Interrogative Sentences
The formation
pattern of interrogative sentences depends on the type of question. There are
types of questions, and their formation patterns are different accordingly.
Yes/No
Question
Auxiliary
+ Subject + Verb + ……..
Wh-Question
Question
word + Auxiliary + Subject + Verb + ……
Choice
question
Auxiliary
+ Subject + Verb + Choice +……..
Tag
question
Declarative
Sentence + Comma + Auxiliary + Subject + ?
Remember
that when there is a form of "be" as the main verb, we use the form of "be" in the place
of auxiliary.
Verb
(Form of be) + Subject + …….
Related Tips
- Indirect questions are declarative sentences, but the questions are embedded in these sentences.
- They just report that questions were asked.
Exclamatory Sentences
Exclamatory
sentences show feelings, emotions, excitement, happiness, surprise, or anger.
Exclamatory sentences always end with exclamation marks.
- What a nice shirt he has worn!
- How beautifully she danced!
Formation of Exclamatory Sentences
How
to form exclamatory sentences? The answer to this question is simple. Three main
things are considered in exclamatory sentences. The first thing is using some
special words that enhance the expression. These well-known words are what,
how, so, and such.
Secondly, an exclamation mark is used at the end of any exclamatory sentences. The exclamation
mark emphasizes emotions, feelings, excitement, etc.
The interjection
is another thing that is used in exclamatory sentences. Remember that
interjection can stand alone and can be connected to the rest of the exclamatory
sentence. When it is connected to the rest, it can be followed by a comma.
- What a great idea he has!
- How fast he drives!
- It is so ridiculous to drive fast when it snows!
- She gave such a great idea that solved all our problems!
- Wow, you are an expert in cooking!
- You will be in my dreams forever!
Related Tips
- Short form of exclamatory sentences is commonly used, but they can’t be technically considered exclamatory sentences.
- There must be a subject and verb in an exclamatory sentence.
- An adjective can be exclamatory with or without other elements when the subject is eventive.
- Exclamatory sentences can have an interrogative structure.
Types of Sentences Based on Structure
Simple Sentences
Simple sentences are defined as sentences that have one independent clause expressing a complete thought. An independent clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb that can stand alone and does not depend on other things.
- They encouraged us.
This
is a short sentence and has one independent clause.
- If you call me.
This
is a clause that can’t stand alone. It does not convey a complete thought.
- If you call me, I will remind him.
This
is a sentence that gives complete thought, but it is not a simple sentence. It
has two clauses. One of which is dependent, and the other is an independent clause.
Other Examples
- I and my father eat rice at night.
- She looks beautiful and dances beautifully.
- You will learn the types of sentences in this article.
- Study English Page is the best site to learn English.
- He translated Spanish into English and English into Chinese.
- This article is about types of sentences in English grammar.
Related Tips
- A simple sentence has a single clause.
- Coordinate or correlative conjunction can be used when they don’t create other clauses.
- We don’t use a comma before coordinating conjunction in a simple sentence to create another clause.
- Compound subjects, verbs/predicates can be used in simple sentences when they share the same subject and verb.
- Modifiers like articles, adjectives, or adverbs can be used in simple sentences.
Compound Sentences
A
compound sentence has at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinate
conjunction or any appropriate punctuation marks. Each part or clause is a
complete thought, so why do we combine them to make a compound sentence? The answer
is simple because they add more to the meaning of the compound sentence.
- Ali runs his own business, and his class fellows do different jobs.
- He supports his family; he highly respects his parents.
If
you just glance at the above examples, you will see two independent clauses
joined by a conjunction or punctuation mark. These sentences are called
compound sentences.
Other Examples
- I was angry, but I did not tell anything.
- He is getting weighty, yet he eats a lot.
- Try your best, and a day of your success will meet you.
- They served society: they helped more people.
- I am at the top of the world, so I can help you.
- We help our mother at home; Diya washes dishes, and I help in cooking the meal.
Formation of Compound Sentences
Forming a compound sentence is quite easy. We have three ways to construct a compound
sentence. One is to join clauses by using a coordinating conjunction. The
second one is to use a semicolon. Secondly, we can use a semicolon to join
independent clauses. The third one is to use a colon. A colon can also be used to
join independent clauses.
- Ali can drive fast, but I can’t drive fast.
- I love her; she does not realize it.
- She understands her responsibilities: she comes five minutes early to the office.
Related Tips
- Use appropriate punctuation marks. Use a comma before coordinating conjunction. Colons and semicolons are also used to join clauses.
- Use always independent clauses to make compound sentences.
- When a conjunctive adverb is used to join the clauses, a semicolon precedes it and a comma follows the conjunctive adverb.
Complex Sentences
A
sentence that has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause is
called a complex sentence. A complex sentence modifies the main point well. The dependent clause can’t stand alone. When it is joined with an independent clause,
it adds more to the meaning or explains the main point.
Clauses
in complex sentences are joined by using subordinating conjunctions. If, when,
after, and although are examples of subordinating conjunctions. They link dependent
and independent clauses.
- If they change their policies, they will control their employees’ turnover.
We
have two clauses in this example. The first one is a dependent clause and the
second one is an independent clause. They are joined by the subordinating
conjunction ‘If’.
Other Examples
- If you discuss your issue with your friends, they will give better suggestions.
- Although it was dark, I went there and had no problem.
- We had eaten when Ali came.
- Switch all of the lights before you go to bed.
- We will have left by the time you wake up.
Formation Complex Sentences
You
need at least two clauses of which one must be independent and a subordinating
conjunction to join the clauses. If you use a dependent clause at first, you must
use a comma after the dependent clause.
- When John jumped over the fence, the dog barked at once.
- The dog barked at once when John jumped over the fence.
Related Tips
- Just one independent clause must be there in complex sentences.
- A dependent clause is followed by a comma if it comes first.
Compound Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence is defined as a sentence that has at least two independent
clauses and at least one dependent clause. When we take at least two
independent clauses from a compound sentence and at least one dependent clause
from a complex sentence, it will become a compound-complex sentence. We can say
that it is a combination of compound and complex sentences.
- Don’t waste your time; manage everything well if you want to start the party soon.
This
example has three clauses. The first two clauses are independent and the last
one is a dependent clause.
More Examples
- If you followed the instructions, you would not hurt yourself, but you don’t feel.
- He called everyone to the meeting, but I could not attend because I was ill.
- I was doing my homework when they were going out; therefore, I did not go with them.
- We are going to visit our aunt, and you have to study because tomorrow is your paper.
- John is going to go home; give him the book which I bought for him.
Formation of Compound Complex Sentences
To
form a compound-complex sentence, you need at least three clauses. At least two
independent clauses must be there. To join independent clauses, you can use
correlated conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, and
appropriate punctuation marks. To link a dependent clause with an independent
clause, subordinating conjunctions can be used. The order of clauses depends upon
you. Use punctuation marks as used in compound and complex sentences.
While
I was going to the office, my friend asked for some money, but I did not have any.
Related Tips
- There must be at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause in compound-complex sentences.
- Comma plays a key role. It is used before a coordinating conjunction and after a dependent clause when it comes first.
