Different Kinds of Sentences
What is a sentence?
A sentence is a collection of words / group of words that conveys a full idea or a complete thought. It typically includes a subject and a predicate. It can take the form of a statement, a question, a command, or an exclamation.
There are various forms of sentences. Here they are
Declarative sentences
Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentence. We use them to make statements. For example:
I am going to the store.
John is taller than Jake.
Most declarative sentences end with a period/full stop (.).
Interrogative sentences
Interrogative sentences ask questions. They usually begin with a question word such as who, what, when, where, why, or how, but not always. For example:
Where are you going?
How old are you?
Can you please turn off the light?
It usually has a question mark (?) at the end. An interrogative sentence always has an auxiliary verb, and sometimes a main verb, before the subject of the sentence. The auxiliary (or main verb) is usually inverted to make sure the subject comes before the verb.
Example:Are you happy?
The following are all examples of interrogative sentences:
Can cats eat chocolate?
Do you want to come to my party?
Are they going to sell their house?
What did you do yesterday?
When will she be back?
Who is that man over there?
Which dress do you like better, the red one or the blue one?
How much does this cost?
Imperative Sentences
Imperatives are commands or requests. They usually begin with an imperative sentence such as sit, stand, go, come, take, get, etc., followed by the person being addressed (known as the imperative subject). For example:
Sit down! (You is understood as the imperative subject)
Stand up! (You is understood as the imperative subject)
Get out! (You is understood as the imperative subject)
Come here! (You is understood as the imperative subject)
It tells someone to do something. When you issue a command, you are usually using a tone of voice that is forceful or at least very straightforward. In other words, you are not asking the person to do something; you are telling them to do it!
Here are some examples of imperative sentences:
-Please hand me that book.
-Could you please open the door for me?
-Pass the salt, please.
-Please stand up straight.
-Do your homework now!
-Be quiet!
Here is more information : Imperative sentences Quiz
Exclamatory Sentences
An Exclamatory Sentence is a statement that expresses strong feeling. It ends with an exclamation point (!).
For example:
What a beautiful day!
I’m so excited for the party tonight!
Optative Sentences
Optative sentences are those which express a wish or desire. They can be in the form of a command as well.
For example,
- May god bless you!
- I wish I could see the world.
- Long live the queen!
- Would that it were so!
Kinds of Sentences – Online Quiz
Kinds of Sentence Structure in English
simple sentences
A simple sentence has only one independent clause.
Example: George Orwell was a brilliant writer.
An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete thought.
Simple sentences can be short or long.
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence joins at least two independent clauses with a conjunction or an appropriate mark of punctuation. The clauses are balanced; that is, they are about equal in importance. In most cases, the shorter and simpler clause comes first, and the longer and more complex clause follows.
Here are some examples of compound sentences.
The employees get health insurance, but they have to pay for it themselves.
I looked for a parking spot, and I found one right away.
Click here for more information: Simple and compound sentence Quiz
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. Let’s look at the following examples:
Although I am failing, I am still going to continue taking the class.
I am taking the class because I want to graduate on time.
Compound Complex Sentences
Compound-complex sentences are the most difficult to construct, but also the most useful. They are made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. The clauses can be arranged in any order, but the most common order is for the dependent clause to come first, followed by one of the independent clauses, and then the other independent clause.
