Sentence in Grammar

What is a sentence?

Sentence is defined as a group of words that gives complete sense or meaning. Sentence in grammar is a complete thought. A sentence gives an idea by expressing a statement, command, exclamation or question.

The definition of the sentence identifies that a sentence consists of more than one word containing at least a subject and a predicate. If a subject is a single word and so is a predicate, a sentence will be consisted of at least two words. The two words must be a subject and a verb.

Visibility of subject is not necessary. Sometimes it can be hidden, but the verb must always be visible. When you tell someone to do something, you don’t need to make it visible. In such a case the subject is called understood subject.

Examples of Sentences

I attended the party on time.
Come on time to meet me.
Do you have time to eat something?
What a romantic weather we have today!
I called him on time, but he did not attend my call.
If you want to eat something, I will pay the bill.
When I saw her, I greeted her, but she did not give any response.

Types of sentences

When we talk about types of sentences, there are four types on the basis of function and four types on the basis of structure.

Types on the basis of function

Declarative Sentence

Declarative sentence is used to convey a piece of information. It ends with full stop.

I have to study for my test.
I call you tomorrow after test.

Imperative Sentence

Imperative sentence begins with a main verb and is used to tell someone to do something. A punctuation mark ‘full stop or exclamation mark’ is used at the end.

Respect your teacher.
Study hard for you exam.

Interrogative Sentence

Interrogative sentence is used to ask someone. We use sign of interrogation or question mark at the end of the questions.

Do you want to go with us on picnic?
What does she tell you about me?

Exclamatory Sentence

Exclamatory sentence is used to show emotions, feelings, etc. Exclamation mark is also the identity of exclamatory sentence as it ends with an exclamation mark.

What a nice shirt is that!
It is so beautiful!

Types on the basis of structure

Simple Sentence

A simple sentence consists of just one clause that is independent.

You have to work hard to get first position in the class.
Study English Page is a best source to learn English.

Compound Sentence

A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses with no independent clauses.

I can trust you, but my parents can’t trust you.
My brother studied math last night and my sister studied English.

Complex Sentence

A complex sentence has at least two clauses of which one must be independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

When I get up early in the morning, I walk for 30 minutes.
You will be physically fit if you walk for 30 minutes every day.

Compound Complex Sentence

It is a combination of compound and complex sentences. It has at least two independent clauses and at least one independent clause.

I wanted to invite him, but he responded negatively when I met him.
If you commend, I will get a job and I will also be thankful to you.

Key points

Sentence (not a single word)

As we have studied that a sentence is a group of words, so keep in your mind that one word can’t be a sentence. In imperative sentence, the subject is understood or invisible. You may see one word in imperative sentence. You don’t need to be confused because the subject is invisible. If you consider the invisible subject, it will become a group.

Using comma

It is also important to use comma properly. When there is a conjunction and preceded by a comma, it clarifies that it joins two independent clauses. Comma is also used after a dependent clause that comes at the front.

Using question mark

Questions are ended with question marks, but there are declarative sentences that convey indirect questions. All declarative sentences end with full stops even if they include indirect questions.

EFFORTLESS ENGLISH SYSTEM

1/ PRONUNCIATION COURSE

Start Improving Your Pronunciation!
In this course, I promise to help you develop an American accent.

I AM EXCITED TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SUCCESS WITH YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING! READ MORE
I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO SPEAK WITH AN AMERICAN ACCENT NOW!

JOIN NOW FOR ONLY $49.99