What Is a Sentence? Structure and Types of Sentence with Example

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete idea. A sentence is the foundation of any language. Whether you’re speaking or writing, using the right sentence makes your message clear and complete.

In this blog, you will learn what is a sentence , how sentence structure works, and the different types of sentences used in English with simple examples to guide you.

What Is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete idea. It starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).

Example:

• John (subject) plays the guitar (predicate).
• The dog (subject) is barking loudly (predicate).
• They (subject) are going to the market (predicate).
• My sister (subject) bakes delicious cakes (predicate).

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Types of Sentences with Examples

Declarative Sentences

Used to state facts or opinions. Ends with a full stop (.)

Examples:

1. I enjoy learning English.
2. The sun rises in the east.
3. She works at a bank.
4. We are going to the park.
5. They love watching movies.

Interrogative Sentences

Used to ask questions. Ends with a question mark (?)

Examples:

1. What time is the meeting?
2. Are you feeling well today?
3. Do you like chocolate?
4. Where are my keys?
5. Is it raining outside?

Imperative Sentences

Used to give commands or instructions. Can end with a full stop or exclamation mark.

Examples:

1. Please close the door.
2. Turn off the lights.
3. Sit down quietly.
4. Don’t touch that!
5. Follow the instructions carefully.

Exclamatory Sentences

Used to express strong emotion. Ends with an exclamation mark (!)

Examples:

1. What a beautiful sunset!
2. I can’t believe this!
3. That’s amazing!
4. Oh no, I forgot my keys!
5. We won the game!

Conditional Sentences

Show cause and effect using “if,” “unless,” or similar words.

Examples:

1. If you study hard, you will pass the test.
2. I’ll call you if I reach home early.
3. If it rains, we’ll stay indoors.
4. Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the train.
5. If I were rich, I would travel the world.

Negative Sentences

Express something is not true. Use “not,” “never,” or “no.”

Examples:

1. She is not ready.
2. I don’t like spicy food.
3. We didn’t go to the party.
4. He has no idea.
5. They won’t attend the meeting.

Affirmative (Positive) Sentences

Express a true or positive statement.

Examples:

1. He is happy today.
2. I love this song.
3. We have finished the project.
4. They will join us later.
5. She speaks English fluently.

Interrogative-Tag Sentences

End with a short question tag.

Examples:

1. You’re coming, aren’t you?
2. It’s cold, isn’t it?
3. He didn’t call, did he?
4. We should go now, shouldn’t we?
5. She can drive, can’t she?

Exclamatory Questions

These look like questions but show emotion, not real inquiry.

Examples:

1. What were you thinking?!
2. How could you do that?!
3. Why would she lie to me?!
4. Isn’t this amazing?!
5. Who would’ve thought?!

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure refers to how the parts of a sentence are arranged.

Simple Sentences

Has one subject and one verb. Expresses a complete idea.

Examples:

1. I like ice cream.
2. He plays football.
3. She is tired.
4. The baby is sleeping.
5. We watched a movie.

Compound Sentences

Has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (and, but, or, so, etc.).

Examples:

1. I wanted to go out, but it started raining.
2. She sings well, and she plays the piano.
3. You can stay home, or you can join us.
4. He studied hard, so he passed the test.
5. I was late, yet I made it on time.

Complex Sentences

Has one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

1. I slept early because I was tired.
2. When she called, I was busy.
3. If it rains, we will stay inside.
4. Although he was sick, he went to work.
5. Since I forgot, I had to go back.

Compound-Complex Sentences

Has at least two main clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

1. I went to the store because we needed milk, and I bought bread too.
2. Although it was raining, she went outside, and she took her umbrella.
3. He cooked dinner, but I cleaned the kitchen after I finished work.
4. They didn’t come because they were tired, and we missed them.
5. I read the book while she painted, and we both relaxed.

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Read More Parts of Speech – All 8 Types With Examples

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