SENTENCES
What is a sentence?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought, typically
consisting of a subject (the person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about)
and a predicate (the part of the sentence that tells something about the
subject).
Sentences begin with a capital letter and usually end with a period, question
mark, or exclamation mark.
Key Elements of a Sentence
1. Subject – The person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.
Example: In "The dog barks," "The dog" is the subject.
2. Predicate – The part of the sentence that contains the verb and tells something about the
subject.
Example: In "The dog barks," "barks" is the predicate.
3. Complete Thought – A sentence must make sense on its own and convey a full idea.
Example: "She smiled" is a complete thought, whereas "If she smiled" is not complete by
itself.
SUBJECT- VERB AGREEMENT
A subject is the doer of the action
It can be a noun or a pronoun.
The subject and the verb must agree in number in every sentence.
If the subject is in singular ensure that the sentence is in singular
If the subject is in plural ensure that the sentence is in plural
Rules to follow in subject verb agreement.
a. Singular subjects joined by and takes a plural verb
b. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by such as or, nor the verb is
singular.
c. If the subjects are plural and are connected by or, nor the verb is plural
d. If one subject is singular and another one is plural use the verb form of the
nearest subject to the verb
Types of Sentences
Sentences can be classified into two parts
Classification based on structure
Classification based on function
Classification based on structure
Sentences can also be categorized based on structure:
1. Simple Sentence
2. Compound sentences
3. Complex
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence consists of only one independent clause.
This means it has a single subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.
Simple sentences are straightforward but can be powerful, especially when clarity and simplicity are
desired.
Simple sentences are often used for clarity, directness, and to emphasize key points.
- Example: "The dog barked."
Characteristics:
- Contains only one independent clause.
- Does not have any dependent clauses.
2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and,
nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.
Each clause in a compound sentence could stand alone as a complete sentence, but they are connected to show a
relationship between ideas.
Compound sentences help link related ideas, making writing more engaging and showing connections between
thoughts.
- Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."
Characteristics:
- Contains two or more independent clauses.
- Does not have any dependent clauses.
- Uses coordinating conjunctions or semicolons to join clauses.
3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it doesn’t express a complete thought; it needs the
independent clause to make sense.
Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, since, although, if, when, etc.) or relative
pronouns (who, which, that).
Complex sentences allow for more nuanced expression and help clarify relationships between ideas.
- Example: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk."
Characteristics:
- Has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Shows a relationship (such as cause-effect, contrast, or condition) between the main idea and
additional information.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences.
It has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
This type of sentence allows for even more complexity and can convey intricate relationships
between multiple ideas.
Compound-complex sentences provide depth and detail, showing complex relationships and
organizing multiple ideas within a single sentence.
Example: "Although it was late, she continued working on her project, and he offered to
help her finish."
Characteristics:
- Contains two or more independent clauses.
- Has at least one dependent clause.
- Can include subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions to connect the clauses.
b. Classification based on function
•Sentences can be classified into four main types based on their function.
•Each type serves a unique purpose in communication.
1. Declarative Sentence
2. Interrogative Sentence
3. Exclamatory Sentence
4. Imperative Sentences
5. Affirmative and Negative sentences
1. Declarative Sentences
A declarative sentence makes a statement or shares information.
This is the most common sentence type, and it ends with a period.
Declarative sentences can be simple or complex, but their main goal is to relay facts, ideas, opinions, or descriptions.
They are used to inform, explain, or describe something.
-Example: "The sky is blue."
2. Interrogative Sentences
An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.
These sentences are used to request information, seek clarification, or prompt someone to respond.
Interrogative sentences often begin with question words like who, what, where, when, why, or how; however, they
can also be structured to require a "yes" or "no" answer.
They are used to inquire or gather information.
Example: "What time does the movie start?"
3. Imperative Sentences
• An imperative sentence gives a command, request, or instruction.
• The subject is usually implied as "you," even though it may not appear in the sentence.
• Imperative sentences can be polite requests or strong commands, and they typically end with a period, though
some may end with an exclamation mark to add emphasis.
• It is used to instruct, request, or command someone to take action.
•
Example: "Please pass the salt."
4. Exclamatory Sentences
• An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion, such as surprise, excitement, anger, or joy, and it always ends
with an exclamation mark.
• These sentences are often shorter and less formal, as they aim to convey intense emotion rather than complex
information.
• It is used to express emotion or emphasize a statement.
• - Example: "What a beautiful view!"
5. AFFIRMATIVE AND NAGATIVE SENTENCES
AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCE
• They are also called positive sentences.
• They help us to sow that something is true or correct
• They indicate approval or agreement
Example
I can swim very well
She is a good girl
My brother is going to Chwele
NEGATIVE SENTENCE
Is a sentence that express denial or refusal.
It is formed by introducing the word not in the sentence
Example
• I can not swim very well
