Curious about what the different types and structures of sentences are? Look no further -this is the only guide you need.
I was tutoring a student one day on the various types of sentences and structures of sentences.
This kid, though he was in the sixth grade, didn’t know any of the types of structures.
I was surprised because most students are supposed to learn them in the third grade.
After teaching him the different ones, I sat down and thought to myself, “When did I learn this? Did I even know about them in high school?”
I came to the realization that I probably did learn about sentences in elementary school but completely forgot them, specifically the sentence structures.
I don’t think I re-learned them or put much thought into them until I started tutoring.
After this realization, I thought to myself, “If I forgot this, others must have as well,” which led to me writing this blog post.
This post is meant to be a review of the sentence types and structures for all of you who have forgotten them (or want to learn what they are).
So in this post, I will go over:
- The 4 sentence types and how to use them
- The 4 sentence structures and how to use them
The 4 Sentence Types
What Are Statement (or Declaration) Sentences?
A statement sentence is a sentence that states or declares. These sentences always end with a period.
If, for example, you told someone that you were heading out to the park, then you used a statement sentence.
If you broke something and told someone about it, you again, used a declarative sentence.
Examples:
- I am heading off to school and will be home late today.
- They are my friends.
- She broke my camera.
What Are Interrogative (or Question) Sentences?
An interrogative sentence is a question. It’s used when you interrogate someone (or ask them questions) and always ends with a question mark.
When you berate a friend by asking her a bunch of questions, you are using interrogative sentences.
When you are confused about a product and ask the salesman about its features, you are again, using interrogative sentences.
Examples:
- How much is this box?
- Where can I put this?
- Why would you do that to me?
What Are Imperative (or Command) Sentences?
Imperative sentences are used when you command someone to do something. These sentences can either end with a period or an exclamation mark, depending on how much emotion you want to express.
When you tell a kid to put away her things, you are using a command sentence.
When you tell a grocery store clerk to grab something for you, you are again, using a command sentence.
Examples:
- Barbara, clean up your room!
- Pass me the salt.
- Grab me a can, too.
What Are Exclamatory Sentences?
When you express a strong emotion, you’re most likely using an exclamatory sentence. Additionally, these sentences always end with an exclamation mark.
When you find out that you won something and scream, you’re using an exclamatory sentence.
When you get angry and yell at someone for eating the last bagel, you again, are using an exclamatory sentence.
Examples:
- YAY!
- I got the job!
- Don’t eat that!
The 4 Sentence Structures
What Are Simple Sentences?
A simple sentence is a single independent clause.
Examples:
- I need to buy bananas, cereal, and a wrench.
- Jordan went with Scottie.
- That was a fantastic movie!
What Are Compound Sentences?
Compound sentences are sentences that contain two independent clauses that are connected by a coordinate conjunction (and, but, or).
Examples:
- Jordan went to watch a movie with Scottie and the movie they saw was fantastic.
- I can make it but I will be late.
- You can go to the store or you can watch the kids.
Notice how each of the clauses can be its own sentence?
What Are Complex Sentences?
Complex sentences are sentences that contain both an independent clause and a dependent clause. The two clauses are connected with a comma and contain a subordinate conjunction (although, since, whenever, before, after, etc.)
Examples:
- Although we can’t make it, we do wish you all the best.
- You will lose marks, whenever you are late.
- You cheated that game since you covered my eyes!
What Are Compound-Complex Sentences?
Compound-complex sentences are sentences that contain a compound sentence and a complex sentence.
It may sound difficult to use, but I’m pretty sure you’ve used it without realizing it before (because this was the case for me).
Examples:
- Since you are already heading down that way, can you buy me a box of grapes and could you get me a new towel?
- Although I am going to a store near there, I am strict on time and I cannot buy you those things.
A tip I want to add is when you are writing, you should mix up your sentence structures.
You should vary the length and structure of your paragraph. This will make for a more pleasant reading experience.
Final Thoughts
It can be a little tedious to learn how to use all the sentence types and structures.
But it’s important to know how because it’ll help you communicate your message more effectively (and more efficiently).
So, learn, practice, and master them.
P.S. If you want to practice your grammar, one of the best ways is with workbooks.
They’ll guide you and help you master the art of writing.
Click here to head over to my store and find the right one for you.