24 Jan Types of English Sentence

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Different types of sentences express different emotions, and thoughts in various ways. Sentences are classified on the basis of Function and Structure.

On the basis of function, sentences are classified as mainly 4 types of sentences these describe the intention of the sentence like:

Declarative Sentence

Interrogative Sentence

Exclamatory Sentence

Imperative Sentence

On the basis of structure, that is how many clauses are used to form a sentence, then there are also four  types of sentences, and these are:

Simple sentence

Compound Sentence.

Complex sentence

Compound-Complex sentence.

Now, let’s understand each type of sentences in more detail

Types of Sentence on the basis of Function

Declarative Sentence:

Declarative sentences are the most commonly used sentences and it is the most basic sentence on the basis of function. We use them to convey any direct message, facts or ideas, in simple words, they are used to declare something and provide the information.

Here are few examples of declarative sentences:

Jack enjoys reading the newspaper.

Eric is the head of this department.

This is a massive building.

Peter is good at football.

So as we can see, the above sentences are used for providing some information and facts.

Interrogative Sentence:

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions, interrogate, or to do some inquiry. It ends or is punctuated with a question mark (?).

The 3-main types of questions that are covered under an interrogative sentence are:

Word question – What, where, why, Do, Did, Have etc.

Choice question

Yes/No question

Now, look at these examples of how interrogative sentences are formed

Do you want more toppings over your pizza?

Where do you live?

What are you doing here?

Are you going for shopping?

Where do you prefer to go for vacation?

Exclamatory Sentence:

Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions such as happiness, anger, grief, sadness, surprise etc. An exclamatory sentence always ends with a sign of exclamations (!).

It’s a beautiful park!

We won the football match!

My friend scared the hell out of me!

Wow, you got excellent scores!

Wow, what a lovely sight!

Imperative Sentence

Imperative sentences are used to give command, order, instructions, or to make any request.

Look and observe these examples on imperative sentences:

Shut the door, please!

Start making the power point presentation.

Don’t go for client meeting unprepared.

Join the meeting in ten minutes.

Submit your assignment to the professor.

Types of Sentence on the basis of Structure

On the basis of structure, there are four types of structure, these are also known as sentence structures,

Simple sentences

A simple sentence is the sentence having a single independent clause that contains a subject a predicate that is a verb or verb phrase that describes the action of the subject. A simple sentence can also contain more than one verb.

For Example,

Jack started a new job.

He is writing/typing an email.

Ron is listening to music and painting.

Compound sentences

Compound sentences are made up of two or more independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction or sometimes by either a linking word or semicolon (;).

The coordinating conjunction are (FANBOYS) for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Two independent clauses can also be joined by some conjunctive adverb like therefore, likewise, rather, etc. Look at few examples,

Peter was ready with the presentation but he did not get opportunity.

Eric bought a new car yet he commutes to the office by metro.

Eric bought a new car; he now commutes to the office by his car.

Complex sentences

Complex sentences are made up of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. In a sentence, these clauses are joined or linked with one another by subordinating conjunctions like when, after, because etc. and by relative pronouns like who, which, that, etc.

A simple comma will connect the clauses when the dependent clause appears first in the sentence. For example,

After he bought a new car, Jack went on a long drive with his wife.

Jack went on a long drive because he purchased a new car.

Complex-Compound sentences

A Complex-compound sentence is a sentence that contains one or more dependent clauses with at least two independent clauses joined together with coordinating conjunctions with a comma immediately before the coordinating conjunction. These types of sentences are the combination of complex sentences and compound sentences.

Ex:

After he bought a new car, Eric, who is dark and tall, went on a long drive, but forgot to carry his insurance card, was stopped by the police.