Admin Published On May 10, 2021 | Updated on Aug 10, 2023 General

The English language is used in official communications across different countries. This means even ESL students need to develop complete clarity on how to communicate in English effectively. Now, the first step of learning English is to get the sentences right. Without forming coherent sentences, you cannot communicate clearly. This brings us to one of the prominent chapters of English grammar that deals with – you guessed it right – sentences.

Whether you’re an ESL student or not, you need to focus on forming sentences with accurate grammar and punctuation. For that, you need to learn about the structures and types of sentences that exist in the realm of English grammar.

With that thought, let’s enlighten you further about the diverse types of sentences one by one.

Types of sentences based on sentence structure:

Based on sentence structure, the English language has four types of sentences.

Simple sentence

A simple sentence consists of a verb and a subject, and it should also have an object and modifiers. However, it comes with only one independent clause. While this type of sentence is the easiest to create, the elements involved need to be presented correctly.

For instance:

He studied the concept of physics for hours.
She organised her study space properly.

In both these sentences, you’ll find subjects (he or she), verbs (organised or studied), and object (a concept of physics/he study space).

Compound sentence

A compound sentence comprises at least two independent clauses. These two independent clauses can be joined with a coordinating conjunction and a comma or with a semicolon. Utilising compound sentences in a written text enables more variety in a sentence.

To form a compound sentence, we can combine two simple sentences only if they are related. You can't select two different simple sentences, join them together, and decide that you've made a compound sentence.

For example:

They reached the auditoriumearly, and they got the best seats.
I really have to go to work, but I am too indisposed to drive.

Complex sentence

A complex sentence comes with at least one independent clause and one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can point to a subject (who, which), the causal elements (because, if), or the sequence/time (since, while) of the independent clause.

If a sentence starts with a dependent clause, check for the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence starts on an independent clause, there's not a comma separating the two clauses.

Some of the popular subordinate conjunctions are: as, before, because,after, though, while, when, whenever, if, during, as soon as, since, until, unless, where, and wherever.

For example

She’ll be able to maintain her physical well-being if she keeps exercising.
Since the world is getting warmer, polar bears are in danger to go extinct.

The compound-complex sentence

To write a compound-complex sentence, you must use at least two independent clauses, conjunction, and one or more dependent clauses (subordinate clauses).

This means you've needed to combine two sentence types. That is, a compound and complex sentence are connected to form a compound-complex sentence.

For instance:

The flower girl was upset that she couldn’t sell her flowers till evening, but when the gentleman purchased the entire flower basket, she was overjoyed.

Types of the sentence in English depending on functions

The English language essentially consists of four distinct categories based on function.

Declarative sentence

A Declarative sentence expresses an opinion or makes a statement. Simply put, it makes a declaration.

For example:

I like Italian cuisine.
I like having chamomile tea in the morning.
We're going to watch the rugby tomorrow.

Declarative sentences can be of two types as indicated below:

Positive sentence

When the declarative sentences are used in a positive sense, they are called positive sentences or affirmative sentences. A positive sentence doesn’t consist of negative words.

Example:

The girl is dancing well. (PS)

Negative sentence

A positive or affirmative sentence tells us that something is so. A sentence that says that something is not so is called a negative sentence.

For example:

He was not good at math. (NS)

Interrogative sentence

An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that asks a question. It usually starts with where, when, who, what, why, how, or do and ends with a question mark.

For example:

What do you want for dinner?
Why are you late every day?
How are you feeling today?

There are four types of interrogative sentences. They are:

Yes/No Interrogatives
Wh- Interrogatives
Alternative Interrogatives
Tag Questions

Exclamatory sentence

An exclamatory sentence is a kind that expresses a strong emotion. It’s not tough to present an exclamation sentence. Essentially the tone of an individual’s voice will convey that. But in writing, to present an exclamatory sentence, you must use the exclamation mark.

Also, remember that exclamatory sentences express strong emotion and should be used carefully. They should ideally be avoided when writing reports or academic papers.

For example:

The actress looks so glamourous on stage!
The view of the hills from this spot is breathtaking!
He’s such a kind man!

Imperative sentence

An imperative sentence is a type used to issue an instruction, command, request, or offer advice. Such a sentence tell the individual what to do. These sentences also provide direction to whoever is being addressed, and hence, they are sometimes known as directives.

Imperative sentences essentially conclude with a period but can also end with an exclamation point. When you hear a command sentence, the speaker's tone of voice helps you perceive what it means, but in writing, it's the sentence structure that counts. If the situation calls for it, an imperative sentence can consist of an exclamation mark instead of a period.

For example:

Stand in a straight line. (Command)
Don’t forget to make a deposit in the bank. (instruction)
Please join us for dinner. (request)

Wrapping it up,

If you wish to develop proper clarity in the English language, you need to learn about the types of sentences and how to use them accurately. Once you gain this knowledge, Communicating in English will be a piece of cake.

Let the experts from essayhack.io provide clarity on types of sentences

To develop expertise in the English language, the first step is to form coherent sentences. Once you gather an understanding of the sentence structure and types, the language becomes easier to grasp. But if you're unsure about how sentences are formed perfectly, then the assistance from the writers of essayhack.io is right around the corner.

The academic experts working for our website will guide you on the structure and types of sentences. These writers have developed expertise in the English language over the years. This means you’ll always gather valuable insights from them. Their English homework assistance will ensure you develop a solid understanding of the types of sentences.

Aside from English, our website will offer complete guidance on over 100+ subjects. Some of these subjects are-

Law
Medicine
Mathematics
Finance
Architecture
Computer science and IT
Biotechnology
Philosophy
Economics
Psychology

We will offer our customised solutions as per your request and help you beat the deadlines of your tasks. Our services have widely appreciated by students for how punctually we deal with every single paper. So, if you need some guidance on custom writing, then never hesitate to call or mail us with your concerns. We’re waiting to drive away all your academic concerns.