Download Types of Sentences

Sentences
Types of Sentences
Sentences can express four different intentions:
1. DECLARATIVE sentences make statements
It rained so much the McIntyre River overflowed its banks.
2. INTERROGATIVE sentences ask questions
Was that you I saw at the poster presentation in the Agora?
3. IMPERATIVE sentences give commands/orders
Professor Jacobs, please give me your email address.
4. EXCLAMATORY sentences express strong feeling
Oh no! I just bought this textbook and now I’ve ripped a page in it!
Grammatical Structure of Sentences
Four main categories of sentences reflect grammatical structure:
1. a SIMPLE sentence has one independent clause: Jocelyn is
the best student on the Varsity Basketball team.
2. a COMPOUND sentence has two or more independent clauses
joined by a conjunction or conjunctive adverb, or separated by a
semi colon: We went to the Thunderwolves’ hockey game last
night, and we met up with our old neighbours from Westfort.
We went to a hockey game; needless to say, my team lost.
3. a COMPLEX sentence has one independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses: Although three players could not make it to
the game, my team still won.
4. a COMPOUND-COMPLEX sentence contains two or more independent
clauses and one or more subordinate clauses: The twins were
together constantly as children, but they became more independent in
their teens since they developed different interests and friendships.
Sentence Patterns
Six basic sentence patterns exist: two for sentences with linking verbs and four
for sentences with action verbs:
Linking verbs
1. Subject + linking verb + noun or pronoun
My mother became a blackjack dealer at the casino.
2. Subject + linking verb + adjective
The students in this class are hardworking and attentive.
Action verbs
3. Subject + action verb + optional modifier
The boys pedaled hard on their bikes. (With a modifier)
The car stalled. (Without a modifier)
4. Subject + action verb + direct object
The car hit the moose.
5. Subject + action verb + indirect object + direct object
She gave me the book.
The pitcher threw him the ball.
Emily Dickenson wrote her lover many beautiful poems.
Note: All of these sentences could be reworded so that the indirect
object becomes the object of the preposition “to”; e.g.,
She gave the book to me.
The pitcher threw the ball to him.
Emily Dickenson wrote many beautiful poems to her lover.
6. Subject + action verb + direct object + objective complement (noun,
pronoun or adjective that follows a direct object and completes its
meaning)
She sang the song "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts."
(Noun that refers to song)
The couple named their new baby Jody. (Noun that refers to baby.)
The teacher called the whole class lazy. (Adjective that describes class.)