Search blog
Detailed and accurate insight into types of sentences in English
To create a grammatically correct sentence, it's important to know how to arrange the elements in the proper order. The structure of a sentence in English will vary depending on the type of sentence. In this article, PREP will help you learn more about the different types of sentences in English.
I. What is a sentence in English?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a statement, a question, or a command. In English, a sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).
The basic components of an English sentence include a subject and a predicate. In addition, there are also objects and adjectives as other supplemental components. For example:
- Jenny bought a new house last week.
- Does this sentence contain a possessive adjective?
II. Types of sentences in English
Sentences in English can be classified according to their grammatical structure or function.
1. Grammatical structure
When classifying types of sentences in English according to their structure, there are four main categories: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences. Each sentence type in English will have its own independent and dependent clauses. Let's take a look at the specific classifications of types of sentences in English with examples according to their structure in the table below:
Types of sentences in English | |||
English sentence type | Definition | Structure | Example |
| Simple sentence | A simple sentence is an independent clause formed by a subject and a verb.
| 1 independent clause: S + V + O
|
|
| Compound sentence | A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.
| S + V + O, FANBOYS S + V + O. |
|
| Complex sentence | A complex sentence includes a main clause and a subordinate clause | Conjunction + subordinate clause (S + V+ O), S + V + O. |
|
| Compound-complex sentence | A compound-complex sentence includes multiple main clauses and one or more than one subordinate clause. | The common structure is: Subordinating conjunction + Dependent clause, Independent clause + Coordinating conjunction + Independent clause |
➡ The above sentence has a subordinate clause "As they trusted Jenny"; 2 main clauses “they gave it to her” and “asked her to preserve it”. |
2. Function
When classifying the types of sentences in English according to function, there are 4 main types: declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, imperative sentences, and exclamatory sentences. Let's take a look at how to specifically identify the different types of sentences in English according to their function below.
2.1. Declarative sentences
One of the most common types of sentences in English is the declarative sentence.
Declarative sentence | ||
Usage | Structure | Example |
A declarative sentence is used to express an idea, or feeling or retell something that happened. A declarative sentence can be in the form of assertion or negation. | S + V + O |
|
2.2. Interrogative sentences
Interrogative sentences are also commonly found among the different types of sentences in English. An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence used for asking questions, including the following kinds:
Interrogative sentence | |||
Type | Usage | Structure | Example |
| Yes – No questions | This type is used when a "yes" or "no" answer is needed.
| Auxiliary verb + S + V + O? |
|
| Wh – questions | This type is used with interrogative words (who, whom, which, what, where, how, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence.
| Wh-question + auxiliary verb + S + V? |
|
| Tag questions | Tag questions are a short interrogative form added to the end of a declarative sentence. They are commonly used to check if something is correct or to seek agreement. Note: If the statement clause is in the affirmative form, the tail is in the negative form and vice versa. | S + V + O, auxiliary verb + not + pronoun? |
|
| Declarative questions | This type of sentence is used when the speaker thinks they know or have understood something, but wants to ask again to make sure or express surprise.
| S + V + O? |
|
| Reply questions | This is a short question to reply to a declarative question to gain more information | Auxiliary verb + pronoun? Question word?? |
|
| Rhetorical questions | This type is used as a rhetorical device to make speech more implied, suggestive and engaging. This rhetorical question does not require an answer.
| Auxiliary verb + S + V + O? |
|
2.3. Imperative sentences
Next, one of the essential types of sentences in English is the imperative sentence.
Imperative sentences | ||
Usage | Structure | Example |
| The imperative sentence is a sentence used to command, order or request someone to do something. Imperative sentences are divided into two types: affirmative imperative and negative imperative. | Affirmative: V (bare-inf) + Object/ Preposition |
|
| Negative: Don’t + V (bare-inf) + Object |
| |
2.4. Exclamatory sentences
The last type is the exclamatory sentence.
Exclamatory sentences | ||
| Usage: An exclamatory sentence is used to express strong emotions, views, or attitudes about someone/something. Some common structures include: | ||
Type | Structure | Example |
“how” |
|
|
“what” |
|
|
“so/ such” |
|
|
Negative question | Auxiliary verb + S + V + O? |
|
You must have learned all the different types of sentences in English as well as the structures for each type of sentence, right?!
III. Exercises on types of sentences in English
Now that we've covered the theories of sentence classification and structures in English, let's dive into some practice!
Exercise: Read the following sentences and make corresponding questions
For example: You want to know if it is raining. ➡ Is it raining?
- You want to know if Jenny has been to Vietnam. Ask Jenny.
- You would like to ask Hanna where she bought her dress.
- You want to know if Hanna plays tennis. Ask Hanna.
- You want to ask Martin if you can borrow his coat.
- You need to know how much this dress cost.
- You want to ask Jenny what she locked the door for.
- You need to know if Sara will be at the club tomorrow. Ask him.
- You are wondering if Hanna enjoyed her vacation.
Answer key:
- Has Jenny been to Vietnam?
- Where did you buy your dress?
- Does Hanna play tennis?
- Can I borrow your coat?
- How much does this dress cost?
- What did you lock the door for?
- Will you be at the club tomorrow?
- Did you enjoy your vacation?
In the article above, PREP has helped you gather detailed knowledge about all types of sentences in English. Hopefully, this will be a useful document for you to review English sentences effectively and achieve your desired score!
Comment
Search blog
Đăng ký tư vấn lộ trình học
Bạn hãy để lại thông tin, Prep sẽ liên hệ tư vấn cho mình ngay nha!
