THE SENTENCE IN ENGLISH

1. Definitions of a Sentence from Different Angles

Semantics (Meaning Perspective)

In semantics, a sentence is viewed as a structured expression that conveys meaning. A sentence, from a
semantic point of view, is the smallest unit of speech or writing that can express a complete thought. It
typically contains a subject and a predicate, and it communicates a statement, question, command, or
exclamation.

 Example: "The sun rises in the east."

o Semantic Meaning: This sentence communicates the idea of the sun's consistent
movement in the sky.

Graphology (Written Form)

From the graphological perspective, a sentence is a set of words arranged in a particular order to form a
coherent expression, usually beginning with a capital letter and ending with appropriate punctuation
(period, question mark, exclamation mark).

 Example: "Are you coming tomorrow?"

o Graphological Notes: The sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a question
mark.

Grammar (Structural Perspective)

From a grammatical perspective, a sentence is a group of words that follows the syntactic rules of a
language. It must have a subject and a predicate and should express a complete thought.

 Example: "She eats an apple."

o Grammatical Structure: "She" is the subject, "eats" is the verb (predicate), and "an
apple" is the object.

2. Elements/Components of a Sentence

A sentence typically consists of several components, which include:

 Subject: The subject is the noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that performs the action or is
described in the sentence.

o Example: "John" in the sentence "John is reading a book."

o Example: "is reading a book" in the sentence "John is reading a book."

 Object: The object receives the action of the verb and can be a noun or noun phrase.

o Example: "a book" in the sentence "John is reading a book."

 Complement: A complement provides additional information about the subject or object.

o Example: "a teacher" in "She is a teacher."

 Adverbial: An adverbial phrase provides additional details about time, place, manner, etc.

o Example: "at the park" in "He plays at the park."

3. Types of Sentences According to Structure

Sentences can be classified based on their structure into four types:

a. Simple Sentence

A simple sentence contains a single independent clause (subject + predicate). It expresses a complete
thought.

 Example: "She sleeps."

b. Compound Sentence

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating

 Example: "She sleeps, and he works."

c. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

 Example: "She sleeps because she is tired."

d. Compound-Complex Sentence

A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent
clause.

 Example: "She sleeps because she is tired, and he works late."

Sentences can also be classified based on their function:

a. Declarative Sentences

These sentences make statements and end with a period.

 Example: "She loves reading books."

b. Interrogative Sentences

These sentences ask questions and end with a question mark.

 Example: "Do you like coffee?"

c. Imperative Sentences

These sentences give commands or requests and often end with a period or exclamation mark.

 Example: "Please close the door."

d. Exclamatory Sentences

These sentences express strong emotions and end with an exclamation mark.

 Example: "Wow, that was amazing!"

5. Basic Simple Sentence Patterns

In English, the basic patterns of a simple sentence follow a certain structure. Below are some of the
most common ones:

a. S-V (Subject + Verb)

The subject is followed by the verb.

 Example: "He runs."

b. S-V-O (Subject + Verb + Object)

The subject is followed by the verb, which is followed by the object.

 Example: "She reads books."

c. S-V-C (Subject + Verb + Complement)

 Example: "She is a teacher."

d. S-V-IO-DO (Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object)

The subject is followed by the verb, the indirect object (person), and then the direct object (thing).

 Example: "She gave him a gift."

e. S-V-O-C (Subject + Verb + Object + Complement)

The subject is followed by the verb, object, and complement.

 Example: "They elected her president."

6. Non-Basic Simple Sentence Patterns and Their Conversion

Non-basic sentence patterns involve variations that add complexity or additional elements like
adverbials, indirect objects, and more. Here's how they can be converted from basic structures:

a. Conversion of S-V to S-V-Adv (Adding an Adverbial)

 Basic: "She sleeps."

 Converted: "She sleeps peacefully."

b. Conversion of S-V-O to S-V-O-Adv

 Basic: "He drinks water."

 Converted: "He drinks water quickly."

c. Conversion of S-V-C to S-V-Adv-C

 Basic: "The baby is cute."

 Converted: "The baby is incredibly cute."

d. Complex Sentences from Simple Sentences

 Example: "She went home" (Simple) → "She went home because she was tired." (Complex)

Conclusion
The sentence is a fundamental unit in English grammar that can be examined from various perspectives,
including semantics (meaning), graphology (written form), and grammar (structure). Understanding the
types, structures, and functions of sentences, along with their components and patterns, is crucial for
mastering the language.