Sentence

Sentence: Definition & Types

A sentence is the largest unit of any language. In English, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a full-stop, or an exclamation mark. a question mark, or The sentence is generally defined as a word or a group of words that expresses a thorough idea by giving a statement/order, or asking a question, or exclaiming.

Example:

He is a good boy (statement), Is he a good boy? (question), What a nice weather! (exclaiming).

Ideally, a sentence requires at least one subject and one verb. Sometimes the subject of a sentence can be hidden, but the verb must be visible and present in the sentence. Verb is called the heart of a sentence.

Example:

Do it. (In this sentence, a subject 'you' is hidden but verb 'do' is visible)


"a group of words, usually containing a verb, that expresses a thought in the form of a statement, question, instruction, or exclamation and starts with a capital letter when written."

More Examples of Sentences

In other words, a complete English sentence must have three characteristics:

  • First, in written form, a sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period (i.e., a full stop) [.], a note of interrogation (i.e., a question mark) [?], or a note of exclamation (i.e., an exclamation mark) [!].

  • Second, it must express a complete thought, not fragmented.

  • Third, it must contain at least one subject (hidden/visible) and one verb comprising an independent clause. (An independent clause contains an independent subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.)


Types of Sentences Structurally, sentences are of four types:

  • Simple sentence

  • Compound sentence

  • Complex sentence, and

  • Compound-complex sentence.


Simple sentence

A simple sentence must have a single clause (a single verb) which is independent, and it cannot take another clause.

Example:

I always wanted to become a writer. (One clause - one verb)


Compound sentence

A compound sentence must have more than one independent clause with no dependent clauses. Some specific conjunctions, punctuation, or both are used to join together these clauses.

Example:

I always wanted to become a writer, and she wanted to become a doctor. (Two independent clauses two verbs)


Complex sentence

A complex sentence also has more than one clause but of one them must be an independent clause and the other/others must be (a) dependent clause(es). There are also some particular connectors for the clauses of a complex sentence to be connected.

Example:

I know that you always wanted to be a writer. (Here, a dependent clause is followed by a connector and an independent clause. The other way around is also possible.)


Compound-complex sentence

A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) is a mixture of the features of compound and complex sentences in one sentence. So, it must contain at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Example:

I know that you always wanted to become a writer, but I always wanted to become a doctor. (Here, one dependent clause is followed by a complex connector and two independent clauses with a compound conjunction between them.)


Functionally, sentences are of mainly four types:

  • Declarative sentence

  • Imperative sentence

  • Interrogative sentence, and

  • Exclamatory sentence


Declarative sentence:

An assertive sentence (declarative sentence) simply expresses an opinion/feeling, or makes a statement, or describes things. In other words, it declares something. This type of sentence ends with a period (i.e., a full stop).

Examples:

  • I want to be a good cricketer. (a statement)

  • I am very happy today. (a feeling)


Imperative sentence:

We use an imperative sentence to make a request or to give a command. Imperative sentences usually end with a period (i.e., a full stop), but under certain circumstances, it can end with a note of exclamation (i.e.. exclamation mark).

Examples:

  • Please sit down.

  • I need you to sit down now!


Interrogative sentence:

An interrogative sentence asks a question. Interrogative sentences must end with a note of interrogation (i.e., question mark)

Examples:

  • When are you going to submit your assignment?

  • Do you know him?


Exclamatory sentence.

An exclamatory sentence expresses overflow of emotions. These emotions can be of happiness, wonder, sorrow, anger, etc.


Examples:

  • What a day it was!

  • I cannot believe he would do that!



Written By :- Himanshu sharma