MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ

In order to be complete, a
SENTENCE must consist of a
subject and predicate that
combine to form an
independent clause that
conveys meaning.
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 The subject of a sentence names
“who” or “what” the sentence is
about and refers to the person or thing
doing or performing an action.

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 THE SIMPLE SUBJECT is
always a noun or pronoun used
without single-word modifiers,
phrases, and subordinate clauses.

THE COMPLETE SUBJECT

includes the simple subject and
any modifying words or word
groups.
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A PREDICATE is the part of a sentence that
contains the verb, object and/or its modifiers
and that makes a comment or assertion about
the subject.

HE wants a new car

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Sentences can be classified by their structure (the relationship
between the number and types of clauses contained within the
sentence), and their purpose (the objective of the sentence in
communication), e.g., whether s/he is asking a question or
making a statement, giving a command or showing an
emotional response, that is, a sentence can communicate a
statement (I am studying.) a command (Go away.) an
exclamation (I’m so excited!) or a question (What time is it?).
Most sentences follow a subject-predicate order and open with
the subject of an independent clause.
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REQUIREMENTS
OF A SENTENCE

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A sentence must begin with a capitalized letter or word.

A sentence must end with a period, a question mark,

or an exclamation point.

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A sentence must have a subject

I BUY A CAR

A sentence must have a

predicate.

A sentence must have at least

one independent clause.
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 TYPES OF SENTENCES ACCORDING TO STRUCTURE

There are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent

clauses. A sentence contains at least one independent clause and
may contain one or more dependent clauses.
An independent clause (or main clause) is a complete thought.
which can stand by itself.
A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is an incomplete
thought which cannot stand by itself.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
Depending on the number and types of clauses they contain,
sentences can be classified in four categories: simple sentences,
compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-­complex
sentences.

Clauses can be connected to form sentences by coordination, using a

coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses, and by
subordination, using a subordinating conjunction to connect one or
more dependent clauses to an independent clause.
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 1- SIMPLE SENTENCES
A simple sentence has only
one clause, which must be
an independent clause and
no subordinate clauses. It
has a subject and a verb and
it expresses a single
complete thought that can
stand on its own.
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• Key: Yellow, bold = subject; green underline = verb; blue, italics =
object; pink, regular font =prepositional phrase
• Here are a few examples:
 She wrote.

 She completed her literature review.

 He organized his sources by theme.

 They studied APA rules for many hours.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 The word “simple” does not necessarily mean
“easy “ or short. It can have modifiers; simple
sentences can also contain phrases, so they are often
long and complicated. However, they still have
only one subject and one finite verb.
It may have a compound subject, a compound verb,
and any number of phrases.
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 S V
The baby cried for food

S V
The boys wanted to take a vacation last summer.
S S V V
Ray and Joe worked and saved enough for a trip to Ohio.
 
S V V
Professor Maple’s intelligent students completed and turned in their homework.
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 S S V V
Megan and Ron ate too much and felt sick.

In the above example, although there are two subjects

Megan and Ron and two verbs “ate” and “felt.” However,
the sentence is still simple because both verbs share the
same subjects and express one complete thought

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
2. COMPOUND SENTENCES
A compound sentence contains two
(or more) independent clauses. 
These two independent clauses can
be combined with a comma and a 
coordinating conjunction or with a 
semicolon. Each of these clauses
could form a sentence alone.

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Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma  or semicolon = pink,
regular font; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined
Here are a few examples:
• She completed her literature review, and she created her reference list.
• He organized his sources by theme; then, he updated his reference list.
• They studied APA rules for many hours, but they realized there was
still much to learn.
• I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.

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Compound Sentence Structure

I like coffee and Mary likes tea.

Mary went to work but John went to the party.
Our car broke down; we came last.

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There are seven coordinating conjunctions:

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 JOINING SENTENCES COORDINATELY (COMPOUND
SENTENCES)

Sentences or clauses may be joined coordinately by punctuation alone, by

coordinate conjunctions, or by conjunctive adverbs.

1. Joined by punctuation alone – John was sick; he didn’t come to

school.

2. Joined by a coordinate conjunction – John was sick; so he didn´t come

to school.

3. Joined by a conjunctive adverb – John was sick; therefore, he didn´t

come to school. MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 Note that a semicolon replaces the period of the first
sentence except when a coordinate conjunction joins the
clauses. If both clauses are short, the comma may be
omitted before and. If one or both clauses are long, the
conjunctive adverb may actually start a new sentence.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
JOINING SENTENCES WITH CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS
(COMPOUND SENTENCES)

CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS

Addition Moreover, in addition, besides.

Condition Otherwise
Concession However, still, nevertheless
Result Therefore, consequently, accordingly

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 Place "S" for simple or "C" for compound in the blank after the
sentence.
1. I haven't seen Ann lately, and I won't see her again until fall.

2. Mr. Holmes listens to the news every night, and then he goes to bed.
3. Helen is going to Spain today and will come home July 25.

4. Will you wait for me, or do you want to go ahead?

5. The children argue and wrangle over every little thing.

6. We had nearly finished our thirty-six holes of golf, and I was exhausted.

7. I had originally planned to attend the meeting; however, now I find I can't.

8. Mrs. Brent likes to drive; she finds it relaxing.

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 3. COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence contains at least
one independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses. Dependent clauses
may come before or after the independent
clause. The dependent clause can refer to
the subject (who, which) the
sequence/time (since, while), or the
causal elements (because, if) of the
independent clause.
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 If a sentence begins with a
dependent clause, note the comma
after this clause. If, on the other
hand, the sentence begins with an
independent clause, there is not a
comma separating the two
clauses.

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Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma = pink, regular font; dependent
clause = blue, italics
Here are a few examples:
Note the comma in this sentence because it begins with a dependent
clause.
 Although she completed her literature review, she still needed to work on her
methods section.
 Because he organized his sources by theme, it was easier for his readers to
follow.
Note that there is no comma in the following sentences because they
begin with an independent clause.
 The human brain never stops working until you stand up to speak in public.
 They studied APA rules for many hours as they were so interesting.
 Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex
Sentences
 
The word used to link an independent clause to a 
dependent clause is called a subordinating conjunction. The
most common subordinating conjunctions are after, as,
although, because, before, how, even though, if, though, till,
until, when, where, whether, while, once, since, than, that,
Here are the five basic relative pronouns:
that, which, who, whom, whose
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  We missed our plane because we were late.
 Our dog barks when she hears a noise.
 He left in a hurry after he got a phone call.
 Do you know the man who is talking to Mary?

The role of a subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause is to establish a time, a
place, a reason, a condition, a concession, or a comparison for the main clause. (NB:
Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses.)
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MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
  4. COMPOUND-
COMPLEX SENTENCES
John didn't come
because he was ill so A compound-complex
Mary was not happy.
sentence consists of at
least two independent
clauses and one or more
D-
P
N
OU X dependent clauses.
OM PLE S
C OM CE
C TEN
SEN

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• He left in a hurry after he got a phone call but he came back five
minutes later.
• I stopped believing in Santa Claus when he asked for my autograph in a
department store, but I still want to believe in him.
• “When the package finally arrived, after a delay of more than two
weeks, she was anxious to open it, but she decided to wait until we
could share the experience with her.”

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Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma  or semicolon = pink; coordinating conjunction
= green, underlined; dependent clause = blue, italics

 She completed her literature review, but she still needs to work on her methods
section even though she finished her methods course last semester.
 Although he organized his sources by theme, he decided to arrange them
chronologically, and he carefully followed the MEAL plan for organization. 
 With pizza and soda at hand, they studied APA rules for many hours, and they
decided that writing in APA made sense because it was clear, concise, and
objective.
Using some compound-complex sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety.
Pay close attention to comma usage in compound-complex sentences so that the reader is
easily able to follow the intended meaning.
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 SUMMARY OF TYPES OF
SENTENCES
1. Simple sentence – Contains  
one full subject and  
predicate. Takes the form of:
a. a statement He lives in New York.

b. a question How old are you?

c. a request Please close the door. (The subject

you is under-stood).

d. an exclamation What a terrible temper she has! 

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2. compound sentence- Contains two or
more sentences ( independent clauses )
joined into one by:
a. punctuation alone a. The weather was very bad; all classes
were cancelled.
b. punctuation and a conjunctive b. The weather was very bad; therefore,
adverb all classes were canceled.
 
c. a coordinate conjunction (and, or, c. The weather was very bad, so all
but, yet, so, for) classes were cancelled.
 
When such sentences are joined
coordinately, they are each called
independent clauses.

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3. Complex sentence – Contains one or more
dependent (or subordinate) clauses. A
dependent clause contains a full subject and
predicate beginning with a word that attaches
the clause to an independent clause (called
the main clause). A. All classes were canceled because the
a. adverbial clause weather was bad.

b. adjective clause B. Children who are under twelve years must

be accompanied by their parents.

c. noun clause C. I can´t understand why you did such a thing.

4. Compound-complex sentence – Contains All classes were canceled because the weather
two or more independent clauses and one or was bad, and students were told to listen to
more dependent clauses. the radio to find out when classes would begin
again.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 TYPES OF SENTENCES ACCORDING TO
THEIR FUNCTION IN COMMUNICATION
In addition to their structure, sentences are also classified
according to their purpose or how they are used within a
text. There are four types of sentences: DECLARATIVE,
IMPERATIVE, INTERROGATIVE, or EXCLAMATORY.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
The function of a sentence refers to the kind of speech act that the
speaker wants to express through the sentence. Consequently,
sentences may be classified according to the purpose of the speaker
or writer in communication. The types of sentences according to the
function in communication generally carry the purpose or intention
of a person using it.
Thus a declarative sentence makes a statement;
an interrogative sentence asks a question or
seeks information; an imperative sentence
expresses a command or request; and an
exclamatory sentence shows a strong feeling.
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 1) DECLARATIVE SENTENCES 
“declare” –that is, make a statement-.
The speaker states (affirms, denies) a
proposition. It is used to make a
statement of fact, wish, intent, or feeling,
and to focus the reader’s attention. It
invites the reader further to consider
the assertion made by the predicate
about it. This sentence type has
“normal” intonation and ends with a
period.
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Examples: The largest mammal is the whale.
I intended to do my homework immediately, but I started to
read the paper.
He refused the differ.
I gave him a book.
I have seen that movie twice. I wish I could go on the picnic .
 
A declarative sentence makes a statement or provides information:
“The results of the exam were posted on the department’s
website.”
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2) INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES
An interrogative sentence asks a question. In
most cases the purpose of such a question is
to seek information or to provide assertion
with regards to the concept that is indicated
by the questions. With this the reader will be
directly involved with the development of
ideas through asking the reader to phrase
the statement. This sentence type has a
special word order and special intonation; it
ends with a question mark.
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 Examples:
Do you have a sweater?
Are you having a bad day?
Where were you and Bill yesterday?
What is the population of Pasto?

Sometimes a question of this type is used not to request information

but to indicate how the speaker feels about something.
Examples: Do you think I’m made of money? How could he have been
so foolish?
An interrogative sentence asks a question: “When do you expect to
graduate?”
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3) IMPERATIVE SENTENCES
An imperative sentence gives an order or
makes a request. The purpose of the
imperative sentence is to show the desire of
the writer or speaker with regards to the
topics as well as to the actions that are being
indicated. That is, the speaker tells the
hearer to do (or not to do) something.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 Imperative sentences involve the reader directly
through addressing him or her and asking for a
response. You can recognize an imperative sentence by
the fact that the subject is always “you,” even though it
may not be expressed in the sentence, and the verb is
either uninflected or specially inflected. Sometimes the
imperative sentence ends with an exclamation mark (!)
and sometimes ends with a period. Use the
exclamation mark with emphatic orders.

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Examples:
Please feed the dog his supper.

(You) Be on time for dinner. (You) Open the window, please.

Put your books away.
Refuse the offer.
Please help me with my assignment.
Don’t do that.
Don’t be so foolish.
Peter, tell Alice to come.
 
An imperative sentence gives a command or issues a request: “Do not answer me in
that tone of voice.”
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 REQUESTS AND COMMANDS (IMPERATIVE MOOD)
 
The simple form of the verb is used for requests, commands, or instructions.
 
Second person, singular and plural:
Open the door.
Don´t open the door.
 
First and second person together:
Let´s open the door.
Let´s not open the door.
(Here the request takes the form of a suggestion)
 
An adverb may precede the imperative verb:
Always open that door slowly.
Don´t ever open that door.
 
Formulas of politeness such as please, will (or would) you please often accompany requests.
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d) EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES
The purpose of the exclamatory sentence is to
show a sudden or strong feeling about
something. In exclamatory sentences, there
may be a thought, emotion or sensation
behind. An exclamatory sentence is one which
expresses strong feelings, such as surprise,
fear, or joy, and it is also used to express
judgment, sensation and relieve of an
internal pressure. It is followed by an
exclamation point.
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Examples:
• What an offer! He refused it! Refuse it!
• How happy your success makes me!
• He’s over for the winning touchdown!
• Don’t burn yourself out!
• Keep out!
• He screamed, “Help!”
MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 An exclamatory sentence, very often, begins with how or
what. Note that the word order in many cases differs from
the usual pattern in other types of sentences. This is shown in
the following sentences.
DECLARATIVE: This has been a wonderful day.
EXCLAMATORY: What a wonderful day this has been!

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What – a noun ends the exclamatory phrase
 
What delicious fruit this is!
What delicious pineapples these are!
What a delicious pineapple this is!
 
How – an adjective or adverb ends the exclamatory phrase
 
How graceful she is!
How gracefully she dances!
 
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Examples:
 
I’ve been a complete fool!
Drop everything and follow me!
This is the end of all my hopes and dreams!
For the first time in history, a man had gone into orbit around the
earth!
 
An exclamatory sentence expresses surprise or a similar emotional
response: “I just can’t believe it!”

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 Note: The subject and the
verb in an exclamatory
sentence retain normal word
order except in poetic or
literary style – How green
was my valley!
 

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 Sentences can also be described in terms of their
forms. Most of the “grammar school” definitions fail to
make the important distinction between the form of a
sentence and the function of a sentence. The function
of a sentence refers to the kind of speech act that the
speaker wants to express through the sentence.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 The form of a sentence refers to the word
order, the intonation and the punctuation of
the sentence. According to their form,
sentences are classified as DECLARATIVE,
INTERROGATIVE, IMPERATIVE, and
EXCLAMATORY sentences.

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 EXAMPLES OF FUNCTION AND WORD FORM :
 
It is possible to use a number of different sentence types to
perform a given speech act type, and vice-versa. This is
illustrated by the following examples:
 
 
 

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 I. DECLARATIVE FUNCTION
• A. Declaratives ( Form ):
1. Bill’s hair is on fire
2. Bill’s hair! It’s on fire!
• B. Interrogatives ( Form ):
1. Do you know that Bill’s hair is on fire?
2. Would Bill think me rude if I told him that his hair is on fire?
• C. Imperatives ( Form ):
1. Tell Bill that his hair is on fire!
2. Allow me to point out that Bill’s hair is on fire!

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 II. INTERROGATIVE FUNCTION
 
A. Declarative: I want to know if you’re a Martian.
B. Interrogatives:
1. Are you a Martian?
2. You’re a Martian?
3. Is it true that you are a Martian?
C. Imperative: Tell me if you’re Martian.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
 III. IMPERATIVE FUNCTION
 
A. Declaratives ( Form )
1. The garbage needs taking out.
2. It’s your turn to take out the garbage.
3. It’s time to take out the garbage.
 

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B. Interrogatives (Form )
1. Will you take out the garbage?
2. You’ll take the garbage, won’t you?
3. Isn’t time to take out the garbage?
4. Whose turn is it to take out the garbage? (Assume the speaker
knows it’s the hearer’s turn).
 
C. Imperatives ( Form )
1. Take out the garbage!
2. You will take out the garbage!
3. The garbage. Take it out!
MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ
Identify each sentence below as declarative, interrogative, imperative or
exclamatory. Add the proper punctuation mark at the end of each sentence.

1. Give the dog a bath today___

2. How many kinds of dogs can you name in one minute__
3. The Chihuahua is originally from Mexico___
4. What a cute puppy you have___
5. Don’t let go of the Great Dane’s leash__
6. Take your dog for a walk every day ___
7. That dog tried to bite me ___
8. German shepherds make good watchdogs ____
9. Can you train your dog to roll over or sit ___
10.Please give that bone to the dog ____
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