The English language is full of nuances and different shades of meaning, which can be difficult to master. If you’re learning English as a second language, you might be particularly interested in sentence structure.
Here are 10 examples of sentences in English, each with a different function.
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is the most basic type of sentence. It contains one independent clause, which has a subject and a verb.
For example:
I go to the store.
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses. These clauses are joined together with a conjunction or a semicolon.
For example:
I go to the store, and then I come home.
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause can’t stand alone as a sentence, and it must be connected to an independent clause.
For example:
I go to the store when I need groceries.
Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
For example:
I go to the store when I need groceries, and then I come home and put them away.
Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence makes a statement. It’s the most common type of sentence.
For example:
The sky is blue.
Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence asks a question.
For example:
Are you going to the store?
Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.
For example:
Please go to the store.
Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence shows strong emotion. It ends with an exclamation mark.
For example:
I can’t believe I have to go to the store again!
Optative Sentence
An optative sentence expresses a wish.
For example:
I wish I didn’t have to go to the store.
Sentence Fragment
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It’s missing a subject, a verb, or both.
For example:
Walking to the store.