Sentences – Learn English https://learnhowenglish.com Learn the way of Learning English Sat, 02 May 2020 20:21:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.10 https://learnhowenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-learnenglish-1-32x32.png Sentences – Learn English https://learnhowenglish.com 32 32 Sentence https://learnhowenglish.com/sentence/ https://learnhowenglish.com/sentence/#respond Sat, 02 May 2020 19:47:51 +0000 https://learnhowenglish.com/?p=159 Sentence: Definition & Types

Definition:

A Sentence is a combination of words arranged in such an order that it expresses a complete sense or meaning.

A sentence is the largest unit of any language. In English, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a full-stop, or a question mark, or an exclamation mark.

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 Expression

She is a nice girl  

Is he a good boy?

What a nice weather! 

Statement

Question

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 sentence is] 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.” –

(Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press.)

Types of Sentences:

Structurally and Functionally, sentences are of four types for each:

No Structurally No Functionally
1. Simple sentence 1. Declarative sentence
2. Compound sentence 2. Imperative sentence
3. Complex sentence 3. Interrogative sentence
4. Compound-complex sentence 4. Exclamatory sentence

Full Definition with Examples of Structural Sentences

Simple Sentence

Definition  Example
The Sentence which carry a single clause (a single verb) which is independent, and it cannot take another clause. I always wanted to become a writer. (One clause – one verb)

Compound sentence

Definition 

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

Complex sentence

Definition 

 Example
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. 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

Definition 

 Example
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. 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.) 

Full Definition with Examples of Functional Sentences

Declarative Sentence

Definition 

 Example
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).

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

I am very happy today. (a feeling)

Imperative sentence:

Definition 

 Example
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).

Please sit down.

I need you to sit down now!

Interrogative sentence:

Definition 

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

When are you going to submit your assignment?

Do you know him?

Exclamatory sentence.

Definition 

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

What a day it was!

I cannot believe he would do that!

 

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