Types of Sentences – Form
What is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group of words and has at least one clause in it. It conveys meaning and is complete.
Dependent and Independent Clauses:
A clause which can stand alone as a sentence is called an independent clause.
A clause which cannot stand alone as a sentence and always relies on the independent clause to complete it is known as a dependent clause.
Example of Dependent and Independent Clauses.
The door was bolted, so the guest left.
Above: "The door was bolted" "the guest left" are independent clause.
"so" is a Coordinating conjunction.
more example:
Since the door was bolted, the guests left.
Subordinate conjunction Dependent clause Independent clause
Types of Sentences according to Form:
There are four types of sentences in English:
- Simple sentences
- Compound sentences
- Complex sentences
- Compound–complex sentences
1. Simple Sentences
Simple sentences have one subject and one verb. In other words, they contain just one clause.
example of simple sentences:
- The files are in the cabinet.
- The clown with the red shiny nose is Bozo.
- Meenal will be playing for the college soccer team.
2. Compound Sentences
Compound sentences have two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. In other words, it is made of two or more simple sentences.
Examples of compound sentences are:
- Manju is an engineer and his brother is a doctor.
- I am confident about our win, but we should be cautious.
- Mrs Sharma owns the property, so she will decide how to divide it.
3. Complex Sentences
Complex sentences contain a dependent clause apart from an independent clause. The dependent clause may be an adjective clause or an adverb clause.
Examples of complex sentences are:
- While the boss was away, Manish sneaked out of the office.
- Although he puts a facade of politeness, Raghu is a conniving liar.
- Omar invited us because it is his birthday.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
Compound–complex sentences contain two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
examples of compound-complex sentences are:
- After we finish painting, we can go to the mall and meet our friends.
- While he was sleeping, his parents decorated the Christmas tree but forgot to place the presents.
- Before you leave, place the books in the correct order or else there would be confusion.
