For any candidate involved in Banking and SSC exam preparation, the knowledge of English grammar is a must. To attempt grammatical questions seen in these exams, the understanding of sentence structure should be there. Without that, error spotting becomes a difficult task which can’t be accomplished confidently.
In this regard, the experts from the center for Top SSC Coaching in East Delhi have prepared detailed notes on types of sentences. Going through these notes will help you get a firm grip on dealing with sentences of all types.
Types of Sentences
In English language, sentences can be classified on the basis of their structure and function.
Under structure-wise classification, sentences can be of the following types:
(I) Simple Sentence
It contains one independent clause, but no dependent clause. There is a subject, a verb & a complete thought. Examples of simple sentences are:
- The boy waited for his turn.
- The train is running behind schedule.
- Alice is my best friend.
(II) Compound Sentence
It is a sentence composed of 2 independent clauses which are connected to each other. Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect these clauses. Coordinating conjunctions include: and, but, or, so, yet, for & nor. Examples of compound sentences are:
- Jason waited for the bus, but it was late.
- My sister was tired, so she decided to take a nap.
- He was one of my childhood friends, yet he did not think twice before betraying me.
(III) Complex Sentence
It is composed of an independent clause & one or more than one dependent clauses. The dependent clauses generally start with subordinating conjunctions. Subordinating conjunctions include: if, when, as, because, until, after, since, while, though, before, even though, unless etc. Examples of complex sentences are:
- If you promise not to get angry, I will tell you the truth.
- Because she and I are honest people, you must not doubt us.
- Since I am not a lawyer, you’ll have to find someone else to look into this matter.
However, when we talk about function-wise classification, sentences can be of four types. They are:
(A) Assertive or Declarative Sentence
A sentence that states a fact or declares some information is called an Assertive or Declarative sentence. It can also be called a statement. It starts with a capital letter and ends with a period. Examples are:
- My father started this business ten years ago.
- Jaipur is a beautiful city.
- India became free in 1947.
- The children are playing in the garden.
- He is the captain of this team.
- They will buy a new car next year.
- I know him well.
(B) Interrogative Sentence
Any sentence that is in question format or asks a question using the ‘WH family’ words is called an Interrogative sentence. The family includes What, Why, Who, Whom, Whose, When, Which, Where and How as its members. These sentences always end in a question mark ‘?’. Examples are:
- What have been your achievements in the last 10 years?
- Why do you argue all the time?
- Who is your best friend?
- Whom were you talking to?
- Whose belongings are these?
- When will the train arrive?
- Which book should I read?
- Where is your hostel?
- How is she doing?
However, Interrogative sentences need not start with a question word all the time. Questions can be asked even without the use of interrogative words. In such sentences, it is a verb that appears in the beginning. Examples of these sentences are:
- Is she still studying?
- Do you have something to eat?
- Are you getting tired?
- Can you answer this question?
- Will I be able to crack the exam?
- Was Mohd. Ali the greatest boxer of his time?
- Have I done something wrong?
- Should the company go public next year?
(C) Imperative Sentence
Any sentence that expresses a command, obligation, advice, compulsion, order, or request is called an Imperative sentence. Examples are:
- Give me a slice of pizza.
- Shut the door.
- Clean your room before leaving.
- Please allow me to volunteer.
- Pass me the salt please.
- Put your mobile phone on silent mode before you enter the conference hall.
- Be careful while handling the newborn.
- Eat of lot of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Kindly allow me to make my point.
(D) Exclamatory Sentence
Any sentence that conveys or depicts a strong feeling of surprise, shock, excitement, happiness, sorrow, fear etc. is called an exclamatory sentence. It generally ends in an exclamation or contains an exclamation mark ‘!’. Examples of Exclamatory sentences are:
- What a brilliant performance!
- Hurray! Our team won.
- Alas! He’s dead.
- Well done!
- Congratulations on your achievement!
- What a shame!
- What a lovely sight!
- You made my day!
- Wow! What a beautiful dress.
- Oh no! I forgot the keys.
RECAP WITH THIS QUICK EXAMPLES
- Assertive – This plant is green.
- Interrogative – Do I have to water this plant?
- Imperative – Water the plant.
- Exclamatory – I love this plant!
Check Your Knowledge
Classify the sentences given below as per the function-wise classification that you have just learnt.
- We are travelling to Kashmir this summer vacation.
- Do you know where the Dead Sea is?
- Let’s go!
- Please help me climb the stairs.
- The view from the hill top was breathtaking.
- It takes a lot of patience and hard work to pass the UPSC examination.
- What have you decided for your future?
- Stop looking outside!
- He writes with his left hand.
- My mother is a successful writer.
Having understood the important grammatical concepts explained above, it is now time for you to practice further. To practice more, it is suggested that you get access to the study material offered by the institute for the Best SSC Exam Coaching in Delhi. This material will help you understand the exam pattern better and prepare accordingly.
Summary
This article methodically discusses the various types of sentences that are seen in English language. It has been written in a format that will facilitate students like you who are preparing for IBPS Bank PO/Clerk, SSC CGL/CHSL and other exams. For resolution of any queries, feel free to mail at vidyagurudelhi@gmail.com.
