In grammar, sentences are classified based on their structure and function.

Below is a detailed
explanation of the different types of sentences based on structure and function:

1. Types of Sentences Based on Function

a. Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses an idea. It ends with a period (full
stop).
• Example: The sky is blue.
b. Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence asks a question. It usually begins with a question word (such as
who, what, where, why, how) or an auxiliary verb (such as is, are, can, will), and ends with a
question mark.
• Example: Are you coming to the party?
c. Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence gives a command, request, or instruction. It can end with a period or
an exclamation mark, depending on the tone.
• Example: Please close the door.
o Command: "Close the door"
d. Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotions or feelings. It ends with an exclamation
mark.
• Example: What a beautiful sunset!

3. Additional Classification
a. Negative Sentence
A negative sentence is one that expresses negation, often using words like no, not, or never.
It can be declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory in nature.
• Example: She is not going to the meeting. (Declarative negative)
b. Affirmative Sentence
An affirmative sentence expresses a statement that agrees with the situation. It can be used
in various sentence forms but asserts a positive idea.
• Example: He will help you with your homework. (Declarative affirmative)
c. Conditional Sentence
A conditional sentence expresses a condition and its result. It typically follows an "if-then"
structure.
• Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
o Condition: "If it rains tomorrow"
o Result: "We will cancel the picnic"

Summary of Key Sentence Types:

• Simple Sentence: One independent clause.
• Compound Sentence: Two or more independent clauses joined by conjunctions or
semicolons.
• Complex Sentence: One independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
• Compound-Complex Sentence: Two or more independent clauses and at least one
dependent clause.
• Declarative: Makes a statement.
• Interrogative: Asks a question.
• Imperative: Gives a command or request.
• Exclamatory: Expresses strong emotions.
These various sentence types help in constructing meaningful communication, whether
giving information, asking questions, making commands, or expressing emotions.
2. Types of Sentences Based on Structure

1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. It contains one subject and one
predicate and expresses a complete thought.
• Independent Clause: A group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate
and can stand alone as a sentence.
Characteristics of a Simple Sentence:
• Contains one independent clause (no dependent clauses).
• May have compound elements like a compound subject or compound predicate, but it
still remains a single independent clause.
Examples:
• Basic Structure:
The cat sleeps.
o Subject: "The cat"
o Predicate: "sleeps"
• Compound Subject:
John and Mary went to the store.
o Compound subject: "John and Mary"
o Predicate: "went to the store"
• Compound Predicate:
She sang and danced all night.
o Subject: "She"
o Compound predicate: "sang and danced"
A simple sentence is the most basic sentence form. Even if it has more than one subject or
predicate, it is still considered simple because there is only one independent clause.

2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined together with a
coordinating conjunction (such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.
• Independent Clauses: Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence but is
connected to the other to create a more complex idea.
• Coordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions join two ideas of equal importance
or similar structure.
Characteristics of a Compound Sentence:
• Contains two or more independent clauses.
• The clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions or a semicolon.
Examples:
• Using Coordinating Conjunctions:
I wanted to go to the concert, but I had to work.
o Independent clause 1: "I wanted to go to the concert"
o Independent clause 2: "I had to work"
o Coordinating conjunction: "but"
• Using Semicolons:
She loves reading; he enjoys writing.
o Independent clause 1: "She loves reading"
o Independent clause 2: "He enjoys writing"
o Punctuation: semicolon (no conjunction used)
In compound sentences, the two clauses are independent, meaning each could stand alone as
a sentence, but the conjunction or semicolon ties them together.

3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent
(subordinate) clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it
requires the independent clause to make sense.
• Independent Clause: This is the main clause, which can stand alone.
• Dependent Clause: This is a clause that provides additional information but cannot
stand alone. It often begins with a subordinating conjunction like because, although,
since, if, when, while, etc.
Characteristics of a Complex Sentence:
• Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
• Dependent clause cannot stand alone and typically begins with a subordinating
conjunction.
Examples:
• Using Subordinating Conjunctions:
Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
o Independent clause: "She finished her homework"
o Dependent clause: "Although she was tired"
 o Subordinating conjunction: "Although"
• Another Example with a Time Clause:
I will call you when I arrive at the airport.
o Independent clause: "I will call you"
o Dependent clause: "When I arrive at the airport"
o Subordinating conjunction: "When"
The dependent clause provides extra detail or context but cannot stand alone because it leaves
the reader or listener expecting more information.

4. Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least
one dependent clause. It combines elements of both compound and complex sentences.
• Independent Clauses: These can stand alone as complete sentences.
• Dependent Clauses: These cannot stand alone and are connected to the independent
clauses.
Characteristics of a Compound-Complex Sentence:
• Contains two or more independent clauses.
• Contains at least one dependent clause.
• The dependent clause adds detail or explanation, while the independent clauses make
the main points of the sentence.
Examples:
• Example with Two Independent Clauses and One Dependent Clause:
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining before I could leave.
o Independent clause 1: "I wanted to go for a walk"
o Independent clause 2: "It started raining"
o Dependent clause: "Before I could leave"
o Coordinating conjunction: "but"
o Subordinating conjunction: "before"
• Another Example:
She decided to stay home because it was too cold, and he chose to go to the beach.
o Independent clause 1: "She decided to stay home"
o Dependent clause: "Because it was too cold"
o Independent clause 2: "He chose to go to the beach"
 o Coordinating conjunction: "and"
A compound-complex sentence provides both complexity and a flow of ideas, as it can
convey multiple related pieces of information simultaneously.

Summary of Structural Sentence Types:

1. Simple Sentence:
o Contains one independent clause.
o No dependent clauses.
o Can have compound subjects or predicates.
o Example: She sings.
2. Compound Sentence:
o Contains two or more independent clauses.
o Independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction or
semicolon.
o Example: She sings, and he dances.
3. Complex Sentence:
o Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
o Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
o Example: She sang because she felt happy.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence:
o Contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
o Combines elements of compound and complex sentences.
o Example: She sang because she was happy, and he danced.

Each sentence structure serves a unique function in language, from basic statements to
expressing more complicated relationships between ideas. Complex and compound-complex
sentences help convey nuanced thoughts and can link multiple ideas together in a single
statement.