Scribd
Upload
1K views3 pages

Sentence Types and Functions

The document discusses different types of sentences: simple sentences contain one independent clause, compound sentences contain two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, complex sentences contain one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, and compound-complex sentences contain a combination. It also outlines four types of sentences by function: declarative sentences make statements, interrogative sentences ask questions, imperative sentences give commands, and exclamatory sentences express strong emotion.

Uploaded by

coupranghae143
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views3 pages

Sentence Types and Functions

The document discusses different types of sentences: simple sentences contain one independent clause, compound sentences contain two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, complex sentences contain one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, and compound-complex sentences contain a combination. It also outlines four types of sentences by function: declarative sentences make statements, interrogative sentences ask questions, imperative sentences give commands, and exclamatory sentences express strong emotion.

Uploaded by

coupranghae143
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Sentence Types and Functions

What is a sentence?

A sentence is a group of words that makes sense. It expresses a complete thought. It


begins with a capital letter and ends with an appropriate terminal punctuation mark. A
sentence has at least one subject and one verb. It is composed of one or more clauses.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

There are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. A
sentence contains at least one independent clause and may contain one or more dependent
clauses.

An independent clause (or main clause) is a complete thought. It can stand by itself.
However, a dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is an incomplete thought. It cannot stand
by itself. You can spot a dependent clause by identifying the subordinating conjunction. A
subordinating conjunction creates a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for
meaning.

The following list provides some examples of subordinating conjunctions: after, as,
before, if, though, while, unless, although, because, even though, since, when, until,
whereas.

Examples:

Independent clause: When I go to the movies, I usually buy popcorn.


Dependent clause: When I go to the movies, I usually buy popcorn.

Sentence Types

Sentences are divided into four categories: simple sentences, compound sentences,
complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.

1. Simple Sentences: A simple sentence contains one independent clause.

Examples:

 Johnny rode his bike to school.


 She ate her lunch, took a walk, and went back to work.

2. Compound Sentences: A compound sentence contains two independent clauses. A


coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) often links the two independent
clauses and is preceded by a comma.

Examples:

 She wanted to go on vacation, so she saved up her money.


 I like apples, but my sister loves bananas.
 Tim loves to read, and he also loves to hike.

3. Complex Sentences: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or
more dependent clauses. A complex sentence will include at least one subordinating
conjunction.

Examples:

 She went to class even though she was sick.


 As John was arriving to work, he realized he forgot his lunch..

4. Compound-Complex Sentences: A compound-complex sentence combines complex


sentence and compound sentence forms. A compound-complex sentence contains one or more
independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

 Although she felt guilty for missing her friend’s birthday, she took her out to dinner
the next day, and they had a great time.

 I try to eat healthy food, but because fast food is so convenient, I cannot maintain a
healthy diet.

Sentence Functions

There are four types of sentences by function/meaning.

 Declarative Sentence
 Interrogative Sentence
 Imperative Sentence
 Exclamatory Sentence
1. Declarative sentence: A declarative sentence makes a statement. It always ends with a full
stop or a period (.).

Examples:

 He writes a letter.
 She is eating an apple.

2. Interrogative Sentence: An interrogative sentence asks a question. It ends with a question


Mark(?).

Examples:

 Are you feeling well ?


 When will he come ?

3. Imperative Sentence: An imperative sentence gives an order or makes a polite request. It


can also express good wish. It ends with a period or an exclamation mark (./!)

Examples:

 Please lower your voice.


 Would you close the door please?
 Eat your lunch.

4. Exclamatory Sentence: An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feelings, great emotion


or excitement. It ends with an exclamation mark.

Examples:

 Wow! That is great news!


 What an interesting story!

You might also like