What Is a Sentence? Types of Sentence and Structure with Example

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A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense. It always starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark.

Knowing what is a sentence and the types of sentence helps you speak and write more clearly.

Whether you are a student or learning English, this guide will help you understand sentence types and structures with easy examples.

Let’s break it down in a simple way.

What Is a Sentence?

A sentence expresses a complete thought. It has two main parts:

  • Subject – Who or what the sentence is about
  • Predicate – What the subject does or is

Example:
She (subject) is reading a book (predicate).

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Types of Sentences with Examples

There are many types of sentences in English. Each one has a different use and tone.

1. Declarative Sentences

These sentences give information or state facts.

Examples:

  • I live in the UAE.
  • The sky is blue.

2. Interrogative Sentences

These are questions. They often begin with who, what, where, when, why, or how.

Examples:

  • What is your name?
  • How are you today?

3. Imperative Sentences

These sentences give a command, advice, or request.

Examples:

  • Please sit down.
  • Don’t open the window.

4. Exclamatory Sentences

These show strong feelings like surprise or joy.

Examples:

  • What a beautiful view!
  • I can’t believe it!

5. Conditional Sentences

These talk about real or possible situations and their results.

Examples:

  • If it rains, we will cancel the trip.
  • If I were you, I would rest.

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6. Negative Sentences

These express something that is not true.

Examples:

  • I do not like coffee.
  • He hasn’t called me yet.

7. Affirmative (Positive) Sentences

These are simple, positive statements.

Examples:

  • She is my friend.
  • They play football every weekend.

8. Interrogative-Tag Sentences

These end with a question tag to confirm something.

Examples:

  • You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?
  • She can drive, can’t she?

9. Exclamatory Questions

These are questions asked with strong emotion.

Examples:

  • Why didn’t I think of that!
  • How could you do this!

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is how we build a sentence using clauses. A clause is a group of words with a subject and verb.

Here are the main structures:

1. Simple Sentences

These have one independent clause.

Examples:

  • I love tea.
  • He sleeps early.

2. Compound Sentences

These have two independent clauses joined by and, but, or so.

Examples:

  • She likes apples, and I like oranges.
  • He was tired, but he kept working.

3. Complex Sentences

These have one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

  • I went home because I was tired.
  • When the bell rang, the students left.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

These have two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

  • I was late because I missed the bus, but I still made it.
  • She smiled when he called, and they talked for hours.

Why Understanding Sentence Types Is Important

  • Helps you write clearly
  • Makes reading easier
  • Builds strong grammar skills
  • Useful for exams and speaking

Conclusion

Now you know what is a sentence and the different types with examples. This knowledge helps you speak clearly, write better, and avoid grammar mistakes.

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FAQs

1. What is the difference between a phrase and a sentence?

A phrase does not give a complete idea. A sentence does.

Example:
Phrase: in the morning
Sentence: I wake up in the morning.

2. How many types of sentence are there?

There are four main types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. But others like conditional and negative are also important.

3. What is the simplest type of sentence?

The simple sentence is the most basic. It has just one idea.

4. What is a compound sentence?

It joins two full sentences using a connector like and, but, or so.

5. How can I improve my sentence writing?

Read more, practice daily, and join English writing classes like those at TutorHelpMe.

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