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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