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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.

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1K views

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
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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!

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