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SENTENCES

 Sentences are classified in two primary ways: by their functional purpose (what they do) and by their grammatical structure (how they are built).

CLASSIFICATION OF SENTENCES 

In English grammar, sentences are classified mainly in two ways:

  • According to Function (Purpose / Use)
  • According to Structure (Form / Clauses)

Oxford Grammar emphasizes that function relates to meaning and intention, while structure relates to grammatical form.

I. CLASSIFICATION BY FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

This classification is based on what the speaker intends to do with the sentence.

1. Declarative Sentences (Statements)

Definition:

A declarative sentence is used to state a fact, give information, or express an opinion.

Characteristics:

  • Normal subject–verb order
  • Most commonly used sentence type
  • Can be affirmative or negative

Examples:

  • The sun rises in the east.
  • She does not like coffee.
  • English grammar requires practice.

Punctuation:

Ends with a full stop (.)

2. Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

Definition:

An interrogative sentence is used to ask questions and seek information.

Types (classification):

(a) Yes/No Questions

Begin with an auxiliary verb

Answered by yes or no

Example:

  • Did you finish your homework?

(b) Wh-Questions

Begin with who, what, when, where, why, how

Ask for specific information

Example:

  • Where are you going?

(c) Tag Questions

Statement + short question tag

Example:

  • You are coming, aren’t you?

Punctuation:

Ends with a question mark (?)

3. Imperative Sentences (Commands / Requests / Advice)

Definition:

Imperative sentences are used to give orders, instructions, requests, warnings, or advice.

Characteristics:

Subject “you” is usually omitted but understood

Verb is in the base form

Examples:

  • Close the door.
  • Please listen carefully.
  • Do not touch the wire.

Punctuation:

Usually ends with a full stop (.)

Ends with an exclamation mark (!) for strong commands

4. Exclamatory Sentences (Exclamations)

Definition:

Exclamatory sentences express strong feelings such as joy, surprise, anger, or admiration.

Common Structures:

What + noun phrase

How + adjective/adverb

Examples:

  • What a beautiful sunset!
  • How quickly time flies!

Punctuation:

Always ends with an exclamation mark (!)

II. CLASSIFICATION BY STRUCTURE (CLAUSES)

Oxford Grammar defines clauses as units containing a subject and a verb. Sentence structure depends on the number and type of clauses.

1. Simple Sentence

Definition:

A simple sentence contains only one independent clause.

Key Points:

May have a compound subject or compound predicate

No dependent clause

Examples:

  • The dog barks.
  • The boy and the girl are playing.
  • She sings and dances beautifully.

2. Compound Sentence

Definition:

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, joined by:

Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

Semicolon (;)

Examples:

  • I wanted ice cream, but the shop was closed.
  • He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
  • She was tired; she continued working.

3. Complex Sentence

Definition:

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses.

Types of Dependent Clauses:

  • Noun clause
  • Adjective (relative) clause
  • Adverb clause

Examples:

  • When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
  • I know that she is honest.
  • The boy who won the prize is my friend.

4. Compound-Complex Sentence

Definition:

A compound-complex sentence has:

  • At least two independent clauses
  • At least one dependent clause

Examples:

  • Since winter is coming, I think I’ll knit a sweater because I always feel cold.
  • When the rain stopped, we went outside, and we played football.

IMPORTANT EXAM NOTE

Function ≠ Structure

  • A sentence may be interrogative in function but simple in structure.
  • Example: Did she call you? → Interrogative + Simple

Imperative sentences often appear simple in structure.

Exclamatory sentences may structurally be simple or complex.

SUMMARY TABLE

Basis                                                                Types

By Function                            Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, Exclamatory

By Structure                           Simple, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex


Sentence Type         Functional Purpose     Grammatical Structure     Punctuation

Declarative            States a fact or opinion          Simple to Complex                 Period (.)

Interrogative            Asks a question                     Simple to Complex         Question mark(?)

Imperative            Gives a command/request      Simple to Complex             Period or                                                                                                                                                       Exclamation(. !)

Exclamatory         Expresses strong emotion      Simple to Complex            Exclamation (!)

                                                                                                                                          


Comparison Table 

Type                                      Structure                                     Common Purpose

Simple                                1 Independent Clause                 Direct, clear communication

Compound                         2+ Independent Clauses             Shows equal importance

                                                                                                         between two ideas

Complex                             1 Ind. + 1+ Dep. Clause                 Shows relationships like

                                                                                                         cause, effect, or time

Compound-Complex       2+ Ind. + 1+ Dep. Clause              Conveys intricate

                                                                                                            or detailed narratives


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