1. English Sentence Types
Simple Sentences
A sentence which contains only one clause, with one
subject and one predicate is called a simple sentence
Examples: Tony played.
My sister writes poetry.
The man entered a low mud hut.
Where is Matt?
The above sentences represent basic structures, and it is possible to expand
these simple sentences by adding adjectives, adverbs and phrases
2. Compound Sentences
A sentence which consists of two or more
independent clauses joined by a coordinating
conjunction
Examples:
Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
You can send the packet by courier or Raj can
take it with him.
It was raining, yet we went shopping.
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
3. Complex Sentences
A sentence which consists of one independent
clause and one or more dependent clauses
Examples:
If it rains, we won’t go out.
After the sun set, we left the beach.
After eating lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, Tim
went to the gym to exercise.
4. Assertive, Interrogative, Imperative,
Exclamatory
• Assertive/Declarative Sentences
*Make statements of facts; they state or declare something.
*They can be affirmative or negative; negative is formed by
the addition of not after the auxiliary
Eg: He is clownish. He is not clownish.
The world may end. The world may not end.
*A sentence which is declarative in form may be a question
with regard to meaning when uttered with a rising intonation.
He is clever? – declarative question
The bread is good?
5. Interrogative Sentences
Contains questions or enquiries
Eg: Where do you live?
Can we have a cup of coffee?
*Yes/No Interrogatives
Demand the answer yes/no and are said with a rising intonation
Eg: Can he do it?
Are you ready?
*Wh-Interrogatives
They are meant to elicit some information. Begins with wh-words.
Eg: Where did you go?
Why are you dreaming?
*Tag questions
Question Tags are added at the end of statements, usually asking for
agreement or confirmation rather than for any information
Eg: She hasn’t uttered a word, has she?
You are going out, aren’t you?
6. Imperative Sentence
• To give commands, suggestions, warnings
Sit down!(command)
Please sit down. (request)
Stop writing!. (commands)
Watch out for the storm (warning)
Shut the window, please. (request)
Can I have a pen, please? (request)
7. Exclamatory Sentences
• Exclamatory sentences express strong feelings
such as surprise, shock and wonder
Example: What a lovely scene!
How sweet of you!
How wonderful to see you!
• An exclamatory sentence may be changed into an
assertive sentence using it:
It is a lovely scene.
It is very sweet of you.
