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English sentences are generally classified by their structure and function.
Based on structure, or syntax, English sentences can be divided into four patterns: simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, and compound-complex sentence.
In terms of function, or purpose, we categorize sentences into four types: declarative sentence, interrogative sentence, exclamatory sentence, and imperative sentence.
In addition to these two classifications, there are other ways to group sentences, such as according to form, and according to completeness. Even between the two common methods we are discussing here, you'll find others who may sort the sentences out into different number of groupings.
Personally, I don't find memorizing sentence patterns would particularly help me write better. I don’t know about you, but I don’t start out thinking that I’m going to write a compound-complex sentence here and then proceed to write the sentence. I write when I’m thinking about what I want to express. Sentences long and short, simple or complicated, come afterwards—after I’ve put the ideas down. And then I’ll arrange the words, the phrases, the sentences. If a sentence happens to be longer and more complicated here, then it’s longer and more complicated. But I don’t think about which pattern I’m going to write before I write the sentence.
Hence I would not spend too much time here other than to list out the classifications we have named.
15.1 4 Types of Sentence Patterns
According to their structure, or syntax, all the variety of English sentences can be divided into four types:
15.1.1 Simple sentence 單句
In its simplest form, an English sentence has two parts: a subject and a verb, and the two together express a complete thought.
The subject is either a noun or a pronoun. The verb shows the action or the state of being of the subject.
A little bit more complex, a simple sentence may also have an object that is affected by the action of the verb, as well as modifiers.
However, a simple sentence contains only one independent clause.
- Dogs bark.
- Dogs bark louder when they see strangers.
- She reads books.
- She likes to read books.
- She likes to read history books.
- In her free time, she likes to read history books, take long walks, and play
guitar.
Despite the extra information, each of these sentences has one subject and one verb, so it’s still just one clause, and one simple sentence.
What’s a clause?
A clause is the combination of a subject and a verb. When you have a subject and a verb, you have a clause.
So what’s the difference between a clause and a simple sentence?
Simply put:
A clause has a subject and a verb.
A simple sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
That’s the simple difference. So all the above sentences are sentences with one clause.
Clauses are divided into independent clauses and dependent clauses.
Independent clause: a subject and verb that make a complete thought. Independent clauses are called independent because they can stand on their own and make sense. An independent clause is also called a main clause.
Dependent clause: a subject and verb that don’t make a complete thought. Dependent clauses always need to be attached to an independent clause. A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause or an embedded clause.
15.1.2 Compound sentence
A compound sentence unites two independent clauses brought together by a comma or a semicolon + a coordinating conjunction. Eg.
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She keeps telling me to control myself, but she never does herself.
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The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
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It was a difficult test; however, Jack was up to the challenge.
Coordinating conjunctions with a comma: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Coordinating conjunctions with a semicolon and comma: however, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, therefore.
15.1.3 Complex sentence
A complex sentence consists of at least one independent (main) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which) the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.
If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two clauses.
Conjunctions are always at the beginning of the dependent clause. They show how the dependent clause is related to the independent clause.
This list below shows different types of relationships along with the conjunctions that indicate those relationships:
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Cause/Effect: because, since, so that
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Comparison/Contrast: although, even though, though, whereas, while
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Place/Manner: where, wherever, how, however
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Possibility/Conditions: if, whether, unless
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Relation: that, which, who, whom
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Time: after, as, before, since, when, whenever, while, until
- Although he is trying to convince me (dependent clause), I do not believe a single word he says. (independent clause).
- They studied the forbidden arts for many hours (independent clause) as they were so interesting. (dependent clause)
(Note that there is no comma in this sentence because it begins with an independent clause.)
- He recommends the Szechwan soup highly (independent clause) because he likes things hot (dependent clause), but I don’t care much about it (dependent clause).
15.1.4 Compound-complex sentence
A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent (main) clauses and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions and joined by a coordinating conjunction. Eg.
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I opened the parcel, (independent clause) but (coordinating conjunction) the delivery boy disappeared (independent clause) before (subordinating conjunction) I could utter a word. (dependent clause)
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Although (subordinating conjunction) he had organized his books by theme, (dependent clause) he later decided to arrange them by language, (independent clause) and (coordinating conjunction) within the language he used topics for organization. (independent clause)
15.2 4 Types of Sentences by Function
There are four types of sentences distinguished by their functions or
purposes. A sentence is used either to make a statement, ask a question,
give a command or express feelings.
15.2.1 Declarative Sentences
A declarative sentence states a fact or an argument and ends with a
full stop. Declarative sentences are by far the most common type of sentence. Eg.
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James teaches geography in school.
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I did not go to the party yesterday.
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London is the capital of the United Kingdom.
An interrogative sentence asks a question for obtaining new information. It ends with an interrogative mark.
An important feature of interrogative sentences is that they normally have a subject that comes after a helping verb. Eg.
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Can you swim?
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Has the dog already been fed?
If the subject does come first it will be a special question word. Eg.
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Who are you?
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Which team won the game?
There is a special type of interrogative sentences called rhetorical questions which generally do not require a reply. They are used more for emotional effect.
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"How often do I have to remind you of that?".
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"Are you kidding?"
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"Who cares?"
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imperative sentence gives commands or orders. Imperatives
have no subject, though the subject is understood to be you. Eg.
- Be quiet!
- Go sit over there!
15.2.4 Exclamatory Sentences
An exclamatory sentence is a more emotional version of a
common statement and it ends with an exclamation mark. Eg.
- What beautiful eyes you have!
- My camera is broken!
15.3 The Elements of a Sentence
15.3.1 Essential Elements
15.3.1.1 Subject
15.3.1.2 Verb
15.3.1.3 Object
15.3.1.4 Complement
15.3.2 Dependent Elements
15.3.2.1 Modifier
15.3.2.2 Connective
15.3.3 Independent Elements
15.4 Phrase 片語
15.4.1 Kinds of Phrases
15.4.2 Various Functions of the Same Phrase
15.5 Clause 子句
15.5.1 Noun Clause 名詞子句
15.5.2 Adjective Clause 形容詞子句
15.5.3 Adverbial Clause 副詞子句
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