1. Difference Between Sentence, Clause
and Phrase
1.1
What is a
Sentence?
A sentence is a set of words that is complete in itself,
typically containing a subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question,
exclamation, or command, and consisting of a main clause and sometimes one or more
subordinate clauses. The subject is who or what is doing the action and the predicate is the verb or action which is done.
Sentences can be categorised into four types, declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory. Each of these types of sentences can either be a simple sentence, compound sentence, complex
sentence or compound-complex sentence.
Examples
of Sentences
- The train was late.
- Meet me at 5’o clock.
- How are you?
- Wow, the rainbow is beautiful!
Before we understand the different types of sentences, let’s
understand the difference between a sentence, clause and phrase and also what
simple, compound, complex and compound-complex sentences are.
1.1.1
Difference Between Sentence, Clause and Phrase
A clause is a group of words that have both subjects and predicates.
There are two types of clauses, independent clauses and subordinate clauses.
An independent
clause can
act as a complete sentence whereas subordinate clauses, on their own, cannot act as a complete sentence and
need to be used with an independent clause to complete their meaning.
Examples:
- The dog barked. (independent clause, complete
sentence)
- When the man broke into the house. (subordinate
clause, incomplete sentence)
- When the man broke into the house, the dog
barked. (complete sentence)
A phrase is a short or long group of words, without a subject or a verb,
that does not convey a complete thought. On the other hand, a sentence conveys
a complete thought. Also, a phrase is not punctuated.
Examples:
- When the rain stopped
- After dinner
- Beside the lake
- Very pretty
1.1.2
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is a basic sentence that contains a subject,
predicate and expresses a complete thought.
Examples:
- I took the dog to the park.
- Please pass the salt.
1.1.3
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses which
are joined by a comma or a conjunction. Compound sentences connect two simple
sentences, but they often do not show a clear relationship between the two
independent clauses.
Examples:
- The sky looks blue, and the clouds look grey.
- Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Also Read: Punctuation
1.1.4
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one
or more subordinate clauses. Unlike compound sentences, these clauses show a
clear connection between them.
Examples:
- We won the game because we worked together as a
team.
- If you miss the bus, call an Uber.
1.1.5
Compound-Complex Sentence
Compound-complex sentences are made up of two independent
clauses and at least one subordinate clause.
Examples:
- Though Jack prefers watching comedy films
(independent clause), he rented the latest spy thriller (subordinate
clause), and he enjoyed it very much (independent clause).
- Don’t answer the door (independent clause)
unless your parents are home (subordinate clause), it is not safe at night
(independent clause).
Also Read: Paragraph
Writing Topics
1.2
Types of
Sentences
1.2.1
Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence is a sentence that makes a statement,
which can be a fact or an opinion, convey ideas, observation, explanations. This
is the commonly used type of sentence and is the simplest way to communicate
information. A declarative sentence is followed by a full stop/period.
Examples:
- This building was constructed in 1970.
- I saw a rainbow over the lake.
- I was late as there was traffic.
- We can make a presentation for our upcoming
event.
1.2.2
Imperative Sentence
Imperative sentences are sentences that are used to make a
request, offer advice, issue a command, or give an instruction. Imperative
sentences can be positive or negative. They typically end up in a full stop/period. Sometimes,
however, they can end in an exclamation mark when the command/order is given
with a lot of feeling.
Examples:
- Please maintain silence in the library.
- Don’t go outside without an umbrella.
- Complete the task by noon.
- Shut the door!
1.2.3
Interrogative Sentence
Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions or
interrogate. They always end in a question mark. These sentences often begin
with who, when, what, where, why and how. Interrogative sentences can be either
yes/no questions or open-ended questions which require an explanation.
Examples:
- What are you doing here?
- Do you want something to eat?
- Where is Isabel?
- Is there any other way?
1.2.4
Exclamatory Sentence
Exclamatory sentences are used to express strong feelings and
emotions like happiness, excitement, anger, disbelief, etc. These sentences are
followed by an exclamation point and are an effective way to show/evoke strong
emotion in your writing.
Examples:
- Wow-what a day!
- Just shut up!
- That man just robbed a bank!
1.3
Types of
Sentences Exercises
1.3.1
Exercise 1
Identify simple sentences, compound sentences, complex
sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
- Our coach will host a pizza party when we win
our first game.
- Olivia and Caroline went to the movies.
- Although I broke my arm, I still cheered for my
team from the sidelines
- James grilled burgers, and Patrick made a
salad.
- Susie called her friend on the phone.
- Since I made the honour roll, my parents let me
have a friend spend the night.
- Before Alice called me, she called her mom, and
her mom asked her to babysit her brother.
- I waited for the bus, but it was late.
- Jennifer sat in her chair, which was a dark red
recliner, and she read all evening.
- The young students enjoyed the game
Answers:
- Complex
- Simple
- Complex
- Compound
- Simple
- Complex
- Compound-complex
- Compound
- Compound-complex
- Simple
1.3.2
Exercise 2
Read the following sentences and mark whether Declarative,
Interrogative, Imperative or Exclamatory.
- Do you drink milk daily?
- Stars are twinkling in the sky.
- Ah, what a lovely rose!
- Let us go for a river bath.
- Keep quiet!
- The train is not running on time.
- Where has Rohan gone?
- Call in the doctor, please.
- Kindly lend me your book.
- I like this book.
Answers
- Interrogative
- Declarative
- Exclamatory
- Imperative
- Imperative
- Declarative
- Interrogative
- Imperative
- Imperative
- Declarative