Sentence Types
Sentence Types
In English grammar, sentences can be categorized based on their structure into simple, compound,
complex, and compound-complex sentences.
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.
Characteristics:
No dependent clauses.
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:
Characteristics:
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:
Characteristics:
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions (although, because, if, etc.).
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.
Characteristics:
Sentences can also be categorized based on their function in communication. These are declarative,
interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.
A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses an opinion. It provides information and ends
with a period.
Example:
Characteristics:
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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:
Characteristics:
Can be formed by inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb or using question words like who, what,
where, etc.
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:
Characteristics:
Example:
Characteristics:
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