The definition of the sentence. Distinctive features of English sentences.

The sentence :

ž Is a minimal syntactic construction used in communication and having predication and certain structure.

ž Main properties of the sentence: predication and modality

ž Predication is describing the subject(s) as having some property or as standing in some relation.

ž Modality in linguistics, is what allows speakers to attach expressions of belief, attitude and obligation to statements.

(A) CLASSIFICATION BY PURPOSE

· (i) Declarative Sentence

· Def: A declarative sentence makes assertion or states an idea without expecting a reply.

· (ii) Imperative Sentence

· Def: An imperative sentence gives a command, makes a request or expresses a piece of advice.

· (iii) Interrogative Sentence

· Def: An interrogative sentence asks a question and is always followed by a question mark.

· (iv) Negative Sentence

· Def: A negative sentence is used to negate something.

· (v) Exclamatory Sentence

· Def: An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feelings of joy, sorrow and wonder.

· (vi) Optative Sentence

· Def: An optative sentence is used to pray or wish.

·

·  (B) CLASSIFICATION BY STRUCTURE

· According to structure we may classify sentences into four kinds, simple, compound, complex and compound-complex.

· (i) Simple Sentence

· Def: A simple sentence has one independent clause and no subordinate clause and it has only one subject and one verb.

·  (ii) Compound Sentence

· Def: A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses but no subordinate clause.

· A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator. The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

·  (iii) Complex Sentence

· Def: A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

· A complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because, since, after, although,or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which.

·  (iv) Compound-Complex / Multiple Sentence

· Def: A compound complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. It is also called multiple sentences.

·

 

Your sentences reflect your purpose as a speaker or a writer. According to their purpose, sentences may be classified as declarative, imperative, interrogative, negative, exclamatory and optative.

Structural classification of English sentences.

Purpose of utterance: declarative,  

                       interrogative, imperative

Sentences can be divided into four classes from structural point of view as,

1. Simple Sentence

2. Compound Sentence

3. Complex Sentence

4. Compound-Complex (or Double Sentences)

1. Simple Sentence. A simple Sentence has only one Subject and one Predicate. It has only one Finite Verb; as,

(i) She went to market.

(ii) I shall attend the function.

(iii) The students have done their homework.

(iv) The sun sets in the west.

(v) Man is a social animal. (vi) Brevity is the soul of wit.

2. Compound Sentence. A compound sentence consists of two or more Co-ordinate clauses; as,

(i) I was tired and I rested.

(ii) I went to market and purchased a television.

(i) You tried hard but could not succeed.

(ii) We went to Lahore and visited Badshahi Mosque.

Note. All the clauses of a compound sentence are of the equal rank.

Sometimes the subject is omitted in the second coordinate clause as in sentences (ii) (iii) and (iv) above.

3. Complex sentence. A complex sentence consists of one Main clause and one or more Subordinate clause; as,

(i) I don’t know where he lives.

(ii) She went abroad after she had completed her graduation.

(iii) If you work hard you will pass.

(iv) He rested when he was tired.

Subordinate Clauses

Note. A complex sentence may have any or all the subordinate clauses, besides having one Principal or Main clause.

 

 

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