GST 141: COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH
TOPIC: Types of Sentences in English
1. Sentence Types Based on Structure
In English grammar, sentences can be categorized based on their structure into simple, compound,
complex, and compound-complex sentences.
(i) Simple Sentence
A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. It expresses a complete thought and has a
subject and a predicate.
Examples:
Subject + Verb (S + V)
She sings.
Subject + Verb + Object + Adjective
The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
Characteristics:
Contains only one independent clause.
Can have compound subjects or predicates.
No dependent clauses.
(ii) Compound Sentence
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.
Example:
Independent clause + Coordinating conjunction + Independent clause
She sings, and he plays the guitar.
I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.
Characteristics:
Contains two or more independent clauses.
Independent clauses can be joined by coordinating conjunctions or semicolons.
(iii) Complex Sentence
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate)
clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
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Example:
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Independent clause + Subordinating conjunction + Dependent clause
I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
Characteristics:
Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions (although, because, if, etc.).
(iv) Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent
clause.
Example:
She went to the store because she needed milk, and she also bought eggs.
The children played in the park until it started to rain, but they soon went home.
Independent clause + Subordinating conjunction + Dependent clause + Coordinating conjunction +
Independent clause
Characteristics:
Contains multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Uses both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
2. Sentence Types Based on Function
Sentences can also be categorized based on their function in communication. These are declarative,
interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
(a) Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses an opinion. It provides information and ends
with a period.
Example:
She likes chocolate.
Function: Provides information or expresses a fact or opinion.
Characteristics:
Ends with a period.
States or declares something.
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(b) Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence asks a question and usually begins with an auxiliary verb or a question word. It
ends with a question mark.
Example:
Where are you going?
Function: Asks a question to gather information.
Characteristics:
Ends with a question mark.
Can be formed by inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb or using question words like who, what,
where, etc.
(c) Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence gives a command, request, or suggestion. It can end with either a period or an
exclamation mark, depending on the tone.
Example:
Close the door.
Function: Commands, requests, or gives instructions.
Characteristics:
The subject is often implied (usually "you").
Can end with a period or exclamation mark.
(d) Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feelings or emotions. It is marked by an exclamation mark at
the end.
Example:
What a beautiful sunset!
Function: Expresses strong emotions or excitement.
Characteristics:
Ends with an exclamation mark.
Often contains interjections or descriptive phrases to emphasize emotion.
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