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:

1. Simple sentences
2. Compound sentences
3. Complex sentences
4. 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.