A sentence is a standalone and complete structure that expresses an idea. A sentence must have a finite verb, begin with a capital letter, and end with a full stop.

Types of Sentence by Structure

1. Simple Sentence:

   • It is a standalone clause structure that expresses complete thought.
   • It hosts a finite verb and/or an auxiliary and is not introduced by a subordinate conjunction.

   Examples:
   i) Matthew has read the entire book.
   ii) I travelled abroad last month.

2. Complex Sentence:

   • A complex sentence is the sentence structure that hosts two types of clauses: one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

   Examples:
   i) If you jump a little, you will be able to pluck a fruit from the tree.
   ii) I know you have good results.

3. Compound Sentence:

   • A compound sentence structure contains two standalone (independent) clauses.
   • The two independent clauses are merged with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, for, yet.

   Examples:
   i) You may go home or stay back.
   ii) I want to study hard but my sight is not good.
   iii) The students will not fail to hand in their test scripts for they know the consequences.

4. Compound Complex Sentence:

   • Compound complex structures host two standalone (independent) clauses and one or more dependent/subordinate clauses.

   Examples:
   i) I went to the school to see my uncle but was told he travelled outside the country because of the upcoming festive season.
   ii) I worked hard and always get good results because I always adhere to relevant principles.

Sentence Classification by Function

1. Declarative Sentence:

   • They are sentences generated for the purpose of making statements or assertions.

   Examples:
   i) Mary is the mother of the two children.
   ii) His achievements in business show his understanding of business administration.

2. Imperative Sentence:

   • They refer to sentences generated for the purpose of giving commands.

   Examples:
   i) Shut the door and leave immediately.
   ii) Be sure to finish the task before noon.

3. Interrogative Sentence:

   • It refers to sentences constructed for the purpose of asking questions.

   Types of Interrogative Sentence:

   • Wh-questions:
     i) Who is shouting?
     ii) When is your next birthday?
     iii) Why are you crying?
     iv) How is your health?

   • Polar Questions:
     i) Are you still reading that book?
     ii) Will you be available next weekend?

   • Tag Questions:
     i) You can serve as the chairman, can’t you?
     ii) He is not helping you, is he?

4. Exclamation Sentence:

   • They are sentences generated to express shock or surprises.
   • Exclamation sentences usually end with the exclamation mark (!).

   Examples:
   i) What a surprised attack!
   ii) What a nice job you have done!