Sentence

Definition & Types

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:

He is a good boy (statement)

Is he a good boy? (question)

What a nice weather! (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 the 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.)

More Examples of Sentences

In other words, a complete English sentence must have three characteristics:

1. in written form, a sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period (i.e., a full stop)
[.], a note of interrogation (i.e., a question mark) [?], or a note of exclamation (i.e., an exclamation
mark) [!].
2. it must express a complete thought, not fragmented.

3. it must contain at least one subject (hidden/visible) and one verb comprising an independent
clause. (An independent clause contains an independent subject and verb and expresses a complete
thought.)

Examples

She dances all night

Presently teaching / To give a speech

Parts of Sentences:
1.Subject

2.Predicate

3.Object

4.Indirect Object

5.Complement

Every word in a sentence serves a specific purpose within the structure of that particular
sentence. According to rules of grammar, sentence structure can sometimes be quite complicated. For
the sake of simplicity, however, the basic parts of a sentence are discussed here.

1. SUBJECT

The subject of a sentence is the person, place, or thing that is performing the action of the sentence. The
subject represents what or whom the sentence is about. The simple subject usually contains a noun or
pronoun and can include modifying words, phrases, or clauses.

Example
The man . . .
2. PREDICATE

The predicate expresses action or being within the sentence. The simple predicate contains the verb and
can also contain modifying words, phrases, or clauses.

Example
The man / builds a house.

The subject and predicate make up the two basic structural parts of any complete sentence. In addition,
there are other elements, contained within the subject or predicate, that add meaning or detail. These
elements include the direct object, indirect object, and subject complement. All of these elements can
be expanded and further combined into simple, compound, complex, or compound/complex sentences.
(See TIP Sheet on "Sentence Type and Purpose.")

3. DIRECT OBJECT

The direct object receives the action of the sentence. The direct object is usually a noun or pronoun.

Example
The man builds a house.

The man builds it.

4. INDIRECT OBJECT

The indirect object indicates to whom or for whom the action of the sentence is being done. The indirect
object is usually a noun or pronoun.

Example
The man builds his family a house.

The man builds them a house.

5. SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
A subject complement either renames or describes the subject, and therefore is usually a noun,
pronoun, or adjective. Subject complements occur when there is a linking verb within the sentence
(often a linking verb is a form of the verb to be).

Example

The man is a good father. (father = noun which renames the subject)

The man seems kind. (kind = adjective which describes the subject)

Note: As an example of the difference between parts of speech and parts of a sentence, a noun can
function within a sentence as subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, or subject
complement.

Types of Sentences
There are basically four (4) types of sentences

1.Simple sentence

2.Compound sentence

3.Complex sentence, and

4.Compound-complex sentence.

1.Simple sentence
A simple sentence must have a single clause (a single verb) which is independent, and it cannot take
another clause.

Example:I always wanted to become a writer. (One clause – one verb)

2. Compound sentence

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.

Example:
I always wanted to become a writer, and she wanted to become a doctor.

(Two independent clauses – two verbs)

3.Complex sentence

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.

Example:

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.)

4.Compound-complex sentence

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.

Example:

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.)

Functionally, sentences are of mainly four types:

1.Declarative sentence

2. Imperative sentence

3. Interrogative sentence, and

4. Exclamatory sentence
1. Declarative sentence:
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).

Examples:

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

I am very happy today. (a feeling)

More Examples of Declarative Sentence

2. Imperative sentence:
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).

Examples:

Please sit down.

I need you to sit down now!

More Examples of Imperative Sentence

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

Examples:

When are you going to submit your assignment?

Do you know him?

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

Examples:

What a day it was!

I cannot believe he would do that!

TENSES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Tenses denote the time of an action. An action can take place in the past, present or shall take place in
the future. Past tense is a tense used to denote an action in the past.

What is Past Tense?

Past Tense refers to actions that take place in the past. In addition, they are used to talk about
hypothesis and for politeness.

Examples

Examples of Past Tense are as follows:

He went to the market.

He was working as a teacher.

He had been living in that house since August

Types
There are four types of tenses that together make up Past Tense, namely:

1. Simple Past Tense

The Simple Past Tense denoted an action that happened in the past and has no connection with the
present. With most verbs, the past tense is formed by adding the suffix –ed to the verb. For example,
waited, worked, created and so on. However, there are many verbs which do not take the –ed as suffix
in their past form. Such verbs are called irregular verbs, for example,

Word Past

Bring Brought

Eat Ate

Give Gave

Know Knew

Sell Sold

Speak Spoke

Take Took

Teach Taught

The Simple Past is used:

* To denote an action that happened once in the past. For example,

She met her husband in 1988.

* To denote an action that happened regularly in the past.

For example,

He ate a lot when he was a child.

* To denote an action that was true for some time in the past.

For example,

She lived with her parents for twenty years.

2. Past Perfect Tense

The Past Perfect Tense denotes an action that happened before another action in the past. The tense
makes it clear which action happened first. The Past Perfect Tense is used:

* For an action that started in the past and continued up to a given time in the past.

For example,

The train had left the station before I arrived.

* For an action done several times up to a point in the past and continued to do after that point. For
example,

He had written three letters and he was working on the fourth.

* While reporting our experience up to the (then) present. For example,

I was pleased to meet Rajesh, whom I hadn’t met before.

* For an action that happened in the past but is important at the time of reporting.

For example,

She wasn’t at home. She had gone to the market.

3. Past Continuous Tense

The Past Continuous Tense describes an action that began in the past and is still going on at the moment
of speaking. It is formed from the past tense of the verb ‘be’ with the –ing suffix.
The Past Continuous Tense is used:

* For an action that continued before and after another action. For example,

The children were eating dinner when their parents got home.

* To denote a change of mind. For example,

I was going to play cricket but I have decided to finish my homework instead.

* To denote an action happening repeatedly. For example,

They were always fighting.

4. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

The Past Perfect Continuous Tense denotes an action that started in the past and continued up to
another point in the past. It is formed using had been and present participle form.

The Past Perfect Continuous Tense is used:

For something that started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. For example,

He had been exercising for an hour before his mother arrived.

* To show cause and effect.

For example,

He was tired because he had been exercising.

Exercise
Q1. Fill in the blanks using the appropriate form of the given verb.

1. He did not wait for his sister because he _____ her message. (to read)

2. An electrician _____ to my house yesterday. (to come)

3. When their parents reached home, the girls ____ games for three hours. (to play)

4. He forgot the answer that he _____ only a minute before. (to revise)

What is Present Tense?

Present Tense is used to describe an action that is taking place at the moment of speaking, with no
connection to the past or future. In other words, Present Tense is used to describe events that are
happening at that very moment.

Examples

Examples of Present Tense are as follows:

Rahul speaks English fluently.

I am going to the market.

They are excited to attend the play.

The old lady has been living alone in her house for ten years.

Types
There are four types of tenses that together make up Present Tense, namely:

1. Simple Present Tense

The Simple Present Tense is used to describe habits, unchanging situations, fixed events, universal
truths. The simple present tense uses the base form of the verb and the third person singular takes an –s
as the suffix.

The Simple Present Tense is used:

* To express habits, universal truths, repeated actions or fixed events. For example,

The school bus picks up the students at 6 am.

Honesty is the best policy.

* To express fixed arrangements, present or future. For example,

The exam begins at 10 am.

* To give instructions or directions. For example,

You must finish the work if you want to go to the market.

* With future constructions. For example,

He will meet you before he leaves

2. Present Perfect TenseThe Present Perfect Tense is used to indicate a link between the present and
the past. It is used to describe:

* An action that started in the past and continues in the present. For example,

He has worked in this company since 2004.

* An action performed during a period that has not yet finished. For example,

She has visited the market twice this week.

* A repeated action done several times in the past and continues in the present too. For example,

He has visited Spain several times.

* An action that has been completed in the recent past. For example,
The train has just left the station.

3. Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous Tense is made from the present form of the verb ‘be’ and the -ing form of a
verb. It is used:

* To describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking. For example,

The children are playing in the field.

* To describe future plans or arrangements. For example,

Where are you going next month?

* To describe an action that is going on during the time of speaking. For example,

Are you still playing for the same team?

4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense

The Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used for an action that started in the past and has continued up
to the present moment. It is used:

* To describe an action that started in the past and has continued up to the present. For example,

She has been singing for over two hours.

* To describe an action that has just finished. For example,

It has been raining.

Exercises
Q1. Fill in the blanks with the correct tense form.

1. When I opened my eyes, I _____ a beautiful spectacle. (see)

2. Every morning, she _____ up early and goes for a walk. (wake)

3. I _____ visit Italy next month. (visit)

4. The train _____ the station before I _____. (leave, reach)

5. I _____ Maths for ten years. (teach)

6. Rahul and Anjali _____ late the other day. (late)

7. I think that the delegates _____ tomorrow morning. (morning)

8. Last Thursday, they _____ cricket after they _____ their work. (play, do)

9. They _____ in this house since 2001. (live)

10. She _____ a new dress yesterday. (buy)

What is Future Tense?

Future Tense depicts an action that happens in the future or is likely to happen in the future. It may also
express the speaker’s attitude to a future event.

Future Tense may be used in various situations such as:

* Prediction - There will be rain tomorrow.

* Arrangements- I am visiting his house tomorrow.

* Plans - I am going to do an internship in May.

* An action in progress - This time next month, I will be in London.

* Fixed Routine - He shall attend the lecture tomorrow, right?

Types
There are types of tenses that fall under the Future Tense. They are:

1. Simple Future Tense

The Simple Future Tense denotes an action that will take place in the future. It expresses facts and
certainty. This tense is used:

* To predict an event in the future. For example,

The uncle will come home tomorrow.

* To express willingness. For example,

His brother will carry the suitcase for you.

* To give orders. For example,

You will do what I tell you to do.

* To invite. For example,

Will you sing along?

2. Future Perfect Tense

The Future Perfect Tense depicts an action that will be finished by a particular time in the future. The
tense is formed using ‘will’ + ‘have’ + past participle of the verb. It is used:

* To depict the duration of an action that starts before and continues up to another action or time in
the future.

For example,

At 5 pm, I’ll have been out in the market for 3 hours.

* To depict an action that will finish before a certain time in the future, but exactly when that happens
is not known.

For example,

By 11 am, I will have completed my assignment.

3. Future Continuous Tense

The Future Continuous Tense depicts an action that is likely to happen in the future and continue for an
expected length of time. It is formed using ‘will+be+past participle’. The tense is used:
* To denote an action that will be in progress at some point in the future.

For example,

She will be having dinner with us tomorrow.

* To denote an action verbs.

For example,

I will be running the marathon next month.

* To be used for predicting about future events.

For example,

He’ll be coming to school tomorrow.

4. Future Perfect Continuous Tense

The Future Perfect Continuous Tense depicts an action that will continue up until a point in the future. It
is formed using will+have+been+present participle. It is used:

* To depict the duration of an action that continues up to another point in the future.

For example,

By the time you arrive, I will have exercised for an hour.

* To denote an action that finishes just before another time or action in the future.

For example,

When I meet you, I’ll have been dancing, so I’ll be tired.

Exercise
Q1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate tenses:

1. Rahul has sold his bike. He _____ a car. (to buy)

2. This time tomorrow, we _____ to Mumbai. (to drive)

3. We will _____ to London this summer. (go)

4. I am afraid they _____ everything by the time we arrive. (to eat)

5. Wait! I _____ you. (to help)

CONCORD IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

What is concord in writing? We have put together this list of 30 examples to help you master concord.

What Is Concord?
When we use the word ‘concord’ in everyday speech, it means ‘agreement or harmony between people
or groups’ (Oxford Dictionary).

When we use the word in the context of grammar, it has a similar meaning: grammatical agreement
between two parts of a sentence.

An important language skill to master is subject-verb concord.

The Basics Of Concord

* Subject-verb concord is when the subject of a sentence and the verb of a sentence agree.

* Simply, if the subject of the sentence is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject of a sentence
is plural, the verb must be plural.
Look at these examples.

30 Examples To Help You Master Concord

1. The pages (subject) is (verb) held together by a staple.

2. The pages (subject) are (verb) held together by a staple.

Number 2 is correct, because the subject, ‘pages’, and the verb, ‘are’, are both plural. They agree.

It’s easy, yes? Let’s gear up and try something more difficult.

A phrase in between the subject and the verb

Look at these examples:

3. The message between the lines is that we need to finish before Monday.

4. The message between the lines are that we need to finish before Monday.

The temptation here is to look at the word in front of the verb (the plural ‘lines’) and choose the verb
that agrees with it (the plural ‘are’). This is wrong. The subject of the sentence is not ‘lines’. It’s
‘message’. So, because the subject, ‘message’, is singular, we use the singular verb ‘is’. The phrase
‘between the lines’ is a prepositional phrase (starting with a preposition), which is why it’s not the
subject of the sentence.

Try your hand at these:

5. The case of champagne bottles are for the year-end party.

6. The case of champagne bottles is for the year-end party.

The correct answer is number 6. ‘Case’ is singular, so use the singular verb ‘is’.

7. The sentiment in our offices is that our bonuses were measly this year.

8. The sentiment in our offices are that our bonuses were measly this year.

The correct answer is number 7. ‘Sentiment’ is singular, and the singular verb ‘is’ agrees with it.

Two subjects connected by either/or, or neither/nor

If you have two singular subjects that are connected by either/or, or neither/nor, use the singular verb.
Look at this:

9. Neither Sibongile nor Ted has the keys to the stationery cupboard.

10. Either Mary or Shandu is manning the info desk at the conference.

Even though you’re discussing two people, only one of them (singular) is taking action, so the verb is
singular.

What do you do when one of the subjects is plural and the other isn’t? Look at these examples:

11. Neither Sibongile (singular) nor the personal assistants (plural) have the keys to the stationery
cupboard.

12. Either the stewards (plural) or Mary (singular) is manning the info desk at the conference.
Do you see how the verb agrees with the subject closest to it? However, the second sentence sounds
awkward, so rather write sentences like this with the second subject being plural, and then make the
verb plural. Sentence number 12 should rather be rewritten as:

13. Either Mary or the stewards are manning the info desk at the conference.

Two subjects connected by ‘and’

When you have two subjects connected by ‘and’, use the plural form of the verb.

14. Tshepiso and Sbo are responsible for the exchange server.

15. Elize and Raveshan are our new project managers.

There are two exceptions to the rule. The first (see number 13) is when a compound subject connected
with ‘and’ is seen as a singular subject due to popular use. The second is when the subjects connected
by ‘and’ are the same person or entity (see number 14).

16. Pap and wors is my favourite meal.

17. The creator and distributor of the software is Energesix Ltd.

Plural subjects that call for singular verbs

Use a singular verb when you have a subject that conveys a single unit of distance, time, or money.

18. Ninety-five cents is a great bargain for a SIM card.

19. One hundred kilometres is a gruelling daily commute.

20. Twenty minutes is all I have to prepare for the meeting.

Other subjects that call for singular verbs

The following words need singular verbs: each, everyone, everybody, anyone, anybody, somebody,
nobody, someone, none, and no-one. Look at these examples:

21. Each of our staff members has to fill in an evaluation form.

22. Anyone who wants a day off in lieu of overtime must still fill out a leave form.

23. Someone has left a coffee cup on the glass of the photocopy machine.

24. None of us wants to admit to being behind on filing.

Subjects that are collective nouns

Look at these examples:

25. The board wants to make the decision by next Thursday.

26. The staff is in a meeting.

27. The team is due to fly out today.

The board, staff, and team are made up of many individual members, but each forms a collective,
singular subject. Thus, a singular verb is used. Be careful not to make this mistake, though:

28. The staff is in a meeting to discuss their appraisals.

Now, you have a singular subject (staff), a singular verb (is), and a plural pronoun (their) in the same
sentence. To improve concord, rather rewrite the sentence in one of the following ways:
29. The staff is in a meeting to discuss appraisals.

30. The staff members are in a meeting to discuss their appraisals.