Sentences classified by Structure

Different classifications of sentences

By Mamanazorova Sevinch

SENTENCES Classified by Structure

Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex

Some Definitions

1. Clause--A sequence of words containing a subject and a

predicate/verb. It may be dependent or independent.

2. Sentence—A word or group of words that usually consists of at least one subject and verb/predicate.

3. Dependent Clause—A clause that is unable to stand independently as a sentence.

4. Independent Clause—A clause able to stand alone as a sentence.

SIMPLE SENTENCES

A simple sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and no subordinate clause.
We live in Fayetteville. In this sentence, We is the subject and live is the verb

COMPOUND SENTENCE

A COMPOUMD SENTENCE IS A SENTENCE COMPOSED OF TWO OR MORE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES BUT NO SUBORDINATE CLAUSES.

Example: A strange dog chased us, but the owner came to our rescue.

In the above example, “A strange dog chased us” is one independent clause. It stands alone as a complete thought. Likewise, “the owner came to our rescue” is also a complete thought or an independent clause. Thus, this is a compound sentence, or two sentences fastened together to create one sentence.

(If you don’t remember what an independent clause or a dependent clause is, go back to the second slide).

Complex Sentences

A Complex sentence is a sentence containing one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

Examples:

• As evening descended, the storm reached its climax. In this sentence, As evening descended is the dependent clause because it cannot stand on its own. It is dependent on the second part of the sentence, the storm reached its climax, for meaning.
• Javen sang old songs, while he prepared for his boat launch. In this sentence, Javen sang old songs is the independent clause because it stands alone. It has meaning. The clause while he prepared for his boat launch is a dependent clause. It depends on the first part of the sentence for meaning.
• Because Thomas forgot his wallet, he couldn’t order dinner out. (When the dependent clause is first, a comma is required).
• Thomas couldn’t order dinner out because he had forgotten his wallet. (But when the dependent clause is second, NO comma is needed).

Compound-Complex Sentences

This type of sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate (or dependent) clause.

• We won the game, but my uniform was muddy because it rained the entire time. The underlined clauses are both independent—they can stand alone and make sense.

The clause beginning with “because”, is subordinate or dependent for meaning on those first two clauses.

Make your OWN Sentence Examples

• Simple
• Compound
• Complex
• Compound – Complex

A Different Type of Sentence

Now that you have reviewed simple, compound, complex and compound-complex sentences, it is time to review Sentences classified by PURPOSE, rather than sentences classified by structure.

SENTENCES CLASSIFIED BY PURPOSE

Sentences may be classified according to their purpose, and there are four kinds of sentences:

• Declarative—ends with a period (.)
• Imperative—may end with a period OR an exclamation mark (!)
• Interrogative—ends with a question mark (?)
• Exclamatory—ends with an exclamation mark (!)

SENTENCES CLASSIFIED BY PURPOSE:

Declarative—ends with a period. We need more flowers in our garden.
Imperative—may end with a period OR an exclamation mark. Walk this way. Walk this way!
Interrogative—ends with a question mark. Did she walk the correct way?
Exclamatory—ends with an exclamation mark. Get out!

Important Note

1. All these sentences (declarative, imperative, and interrogative) may be spoken or written in such a way that it is really an exclamatory sentence and should end in an exclamation point or mark.

• You did a good job. You did a good job!
• Please sit here. Please sit here!
• Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me!

2. Academic Writing usually uses ONLY declarative sentences.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENTION

THANK YOU FOR ATTENTION