English Sentence:
The classification of the English sentences is in two forms. We classify sentences based on their syntactic
classes or their structural appearance. Another classification has to do with the functions English
sentences perform. So we have structural and functional classifications.
Types of Sentences
Structurally, sentences are of four types:
Simple Sentence
Compound Sentence
Complex Sentence, and
Compound-Complex Sentence.
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers. However,
it contains only one independent clause.
Examples:
She wrote.
(She=subject, Wrote=verb)
Maria completed her literature review.
(Maria=subject, completed=verb, her=modifier, literature review=object)
They above examples as seen only content a single clause (a single verb) which is independent, and it
cannot take another clause.
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses. These two independent clauses can
be combined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon.
Examples:
She completed her literature review, and she created her reference list.
(She completed her literature review=an independent clause, and=the conjunction, she created her
reference list=another independent clause)
Maria always wanted to become a TV presenter, but Bolaji wanted more of theoritical field.(Two
independent clauses – two verbs)
They studied APA rules for many hours, but they realized there was still much to learn.
Using some compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety.
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal
elements (because, if) of the independent clause.
Examples:
If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand,
the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two clauses.
Although she completed her literature review, she still needed to work on her methods section.
(There is a comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent clause.)
They studied APA rules for many hours as they were so interesting.
(no comma in this sentence because it begins with an independent clause.)
There are also some particular connectors for the clauses of a complex sentence to be connected.
I know that you always wanted to become a writer, but I always wanted to become a doctor. (Here, one
dependent clause is followed by a complex connector and two independent clauses with a compound
conjunction between them.)
Compound-Complex Sentences
Sentence types can also be combined. Which is to say, a Compound-Complex sentence is a mixture of
the features of compound and complex sentences in one sentence. A compound-complex sentence
contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
She completed her literature review, but she still needs to work on her methods section even though
she finished her methods course last semester.
Although he organized his sources by theme, he decided to arrange them chronologically, and he
carefully followed the MEAL plan for organization.
Using some complex-compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety.
(Pay close attention to comma usage in complex-compound sentences so that the reader is easily able
to follow the intended meaning.)
Functionally, sentences are of mainly four types:
Declarative sentence
Imperative sentence
Interrogative sentence, and
Exclamatory sentence
Declarative Sentence:
An assertive sentence (declarative sentence) simply expresses an opinion/feeling, or makes a statement,
or describes things. In other words, it declares something. This type of sentence ends with a period.
Examples:
I want to be a good cricketer. (a statement)
I am excited today. (a feeling)
May you live long.
The American astronauts are in space.
The governor has paid the salaries of workers.
There is a pattern for the formation of a declarative sentence. In its formation, the subject comes first
and the predicator follows it immediately. In other words, the declarative sentence is the basic form.
Imperative Sentence:
We use an imperative sentence to make a request or to give a command. An imperative sentence is one
that makes or expresses a command, gives an order or gives an instruction. Depending on the tone of
the voice, a command sentence can also be a request sentence.
Examples:
Stop the work immediately!
Work on these exercises!
Come at once!
Do these exercises
Answer four questions!
Get out of here now!
Please sit down.
I need you to sit down now!
Note: words like ‘may’ and ‘could’ are use to make polite requests in English(Modal Auxiliary Verbs).
Interrogative Sentence:
An interrogative sentence is a sentence that seeks to elicit information(asks a question). Interrogative
sentences must end with a note of interrogation [i.e.question mark(?)]
Examples:
Note; There are different forms of interrogation and, therefore, we have different category of
interrogative questions:
This type of question requires yes or no for an answer e.g.
Are those girls reading their books?
Is the programme ending today?
Was the course difficult?
Were they around this morning?
Will you come with me?
Exclamatory Sentence.
An exclamatory sentence expresses overflow of emotions. These emotions can be of happiness, wonder,
sorrow, anger, etc.
Examples:
What a day it was!
I cannot believe he would do that!
What a strange sight they saw!
How skillfully he dribbles the ball!
What a mess they are in!
References
1. Aremo, B. (2004): An Introduction to English
Sentences (I & II). Ibadan: Scribo Publication Ltd.
2. Bolaji E.B. & Alabi, V.A (Ed) (1994): The Principles
Practice of Communication. Ilorin: I.G.S. Publication
3. Finch, G. (2005): Key Concepts in Language and
Linguistics. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
