A sentence is defined as a word or a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It may consist on a single word, a single phrase or a combination of word and phrases. A sentence expresses an idea through four its types: assertive, interrogative, imperative or an exclamatory sentence. A sentence always starts with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark depending on the function of the sentence.
Example:
- She is a nice girl. (statement)
- Is Jam a bad student? (question)
- Please, open the door. (imperative)
- What a nice place! (exclaiming)
Structure of sentence
Normally, Structure of a sentence has a subject, verb and an object and the format of a simple sentence in English follows as:
Subject + Verb + Object
Ali + plays + cricket.
A sentence can be a complete sentence without an object or subject but verb should be present in a sentence. Verb is considered as the heart of a sentence.
Example:
- Write an essay. (Here subject is hidden but we can find verb and object)
- Ali writes an essay. (Here verb, subject and object are present)
- Aslam writes. (Here subjects and verb are present but the object is missing)
Types of sentences
The division of sentences is basically on two bases: Structure of sentence and function of sentence.
Structurally, sentences are of four types: simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, and Compound-complex sentence.
Functionally, sentences are also of four types: declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, imperative sentences and exclamatory sentences
Types of sentences bases on structure
Simple sentence
A simple sentence has a single independent clause (a single verb) and do not depend on other clause.
Example:
- I love mangoes very much.
- He is my brother.
Compound sentence
A compound sentence consists on more than one independent clause with no dependent clauses. Conjunctions or linker are used to connect the clauses.
Example:
- Your pen is too cheap, and my pen is so tiny.
- You are late, but I arrived in time.
Complex sentence
A complex sentence differs from a compound sentence and also has more than one clause but the difference lie here that one of the clause must be an independent clause and the other should be a dependent clause.
Example:
- This room is much hot, therefore I switched ON fan.
- Although she was happy, she got a divorce from her husband.
Compound-complex sentence
Compound-complex sentences (also known as complex–compound sentences) are a combination of complex sentences and compound sentences and this combination make a single sentence. Such sentences contain at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
Example:
- Though Jam love watching horror movies, he rented the latest movie, and he enjoyed it with friends.
- Henry forgot her sister’s birthday, so she called her for an excuse when she finally remembered.
Types of sentences bases on function
Declarative sentence:
A declarative sentence (assertive sentence) simply contains information, fact, opinion, a statement, or describes things. Such sentences declare something and all declarative sentences end with period/full stop.
Examples:
- She is a doctor. (statement)
- I am feeling hungry. (feeling)
- Earth is round. (fact)
- Chair has four legs. (describing)
Imperative sentence:
Imperative sentences are used to make a request or to give an advice, direction or a command. Imperative sentences are also known as a jussive or a directive. Depending upon its function, imperative sentences may end with an exclamation mark or a full stop.
Examples:
- Please come here.
- Open the door.
- Sit down.
Interrogative sentence
An interrogative sentence we ask a question and must end with a question mark.
Examples:
- What is your name?
- Do you know about my red pen?
- Why are you late?
Exclamatory sentence
Exclamatory sentence conveys strong emotion. These emotions can be of sorrow, wonder, happiness, or anger. Such sentences end with exclamation marks.
Examples:
- What a lovely weather!
- Oh my God!