It is well-known that language is the primary source of communication. Among all the languages English is the international language of education and business. Owing to its importance, there are many international schools in Tokyo that teach top- class English to its students.
One of the most important aspects of the English language are sentences. To understand the subjects well and to communicate effectively students ought to know what a sentence is, what are the types of sentences in English and how to construct a grammatically correct sentence.
What are Sentences?
A sentence is a set of words that are combined together to form a complete idea. It contains two basic parts- a subject and a predicate. Depending upon their purposes there are different kinds of sentences in the English language.
Why is it Important to Learn Different Kinds of Sentences in English?
In our everyday life, we need various types of sentences in the English language, as each one of them serves a different purpose. The importance of learning English sentences for kids cannot be neglected. Understanding each type of sentence and using them in a sentence will help them improve their communication as well as writing skills.
What are the Types of Sentences?
A sentence can be classified into different types based on its function and structure. There are broadly 2 types of sentences in English- Functional sentence and Structural sentence. Based on the meaning that they convey, a sentence can be a functional sentence. And based on the clause type the sentence can be a structural sentence.
What are Functional Types of Sentences in the English Language?
There are 4 types of Functional sentences:
Declarative Sentence
A sentence that is used to declare a statement or express an opinion is called a declarative sentence. These types of sentences simply announce an idea without having an expression of an emotion or a question. Declarative sentences end with a period.
For example,
1. Cricket is a fascinating game.
2. The children play on the school ground.
3. Rohit wanted to play cricket but Rita wanted to play basketball.
4. I love Ice Cream.
Imperative Sentence
When a sentence expresses an advice, request, an order or a command, it is called an imperative sentence. These types of sentences in English mostly end with a period. But in rare cases it may end with an exclamation mark if the stated advice, request or order carries an expression of emotion.
Interrogative Sentence
A sentence which is used to ask questions is called an interrogative sentence. Interrogative sentences always end with a question mark (?) This type of sentence usually begins with words such as “who”, “what”, “why”, “where” “when” “how” and “do” . It’s a highly useful sentence type as you cannot imagine life without questions?
Exclamatory Sentence
A sentence that is used to express strong emotion is called an exclamatory sentence.
The emotion can be of joy, sorrow, anger, excitement, surprise, frustration and appreciation. These types of sentences in English always end with an exclamation mark.
What are the structural types of sentences?
A sentence consists of one or more clauses. A clause is nothing but a group of words that include a subject and an object. Depending upon the nature and number of clauses, a sentence can have different structures, which are generally divided into 4 types:
Simple Sentence
The sentence which has only one clause namely the main or independent clause is a simple sentence. The main clause has both the subject and the verb, and expresses the complete meaning of a sentence. Thus, a sentence with a single main clause with no dependent clauses is called a simple sentence.
Compound Sentence
The sentence which has at least two main or independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction is a compound sentence. Compound sentences do not have a dependent clause.
Complex Sentence
A sentence which has one main clause (independent clause) and at least one subordinate clause (dependent clause) connected by subordinating conjunctions is a complex sentence. The conjunctions can be because, although, since, unless, when or a relative pronoun such as that, which, who, etc.
A complex sentence can start with the main as well as the subordinate clause. If the sentence starts with the main clause, a comma is not used between the clauses in the sentence. However, if it starts with the subordinate clause, a comma has to be used after the subordinate clause in the sentence.
Complex-Compound Sentence
A sentence that has at least two main or independent clauses and one or more subordinate or dependent clauses is a complex-compound sentence.
How to Use these Types of Sentences in Writing?
Using different types of sentences in English can improve the quality of your kids’ writing and make it more interesting to read.
Below are some English sentences for kids that will help them understand how to use the different types appropriately:
Using the right type of sentence in writing depends upon its intention-
● If you want to give information or answer a question, you must use a declarative sentence.
For example- The rat bit the woman.
● If you want to ask a question, choose an interrogative sentence.
For example- Did the rat bite the woman?
● If you want to tell someone what they should do, use an imperative sentence.
For example- Bite the woman!
To express a strong emotion like joy, anger, etc., use an exclamatory sentence (but use these sparingly and appropriately).
For example- Ouch! The rat bit me!
Best Tips For Writing Great Sentences Easily for Kids
English is the main language for studying any subject across the world.
By following the below tips, kids will be able to craft great English sentences and make their communication easy and interesting:
1. Keep the sentence short and simple
When you write longer sentences sometimes the main idea gets lost along the way. Keeping the sentences short and eliminating any unnecessary detail will help convey the right message to the audience and make for better communication.
2. Consider using concrete description
If you want to convey something exciting or inspire a constructive change, a concrete description will be more effective than an abstract or a vague idea. Consider using a direct language to convey a strong message or to entice a significant action.
3. Use Parallelism in writing
When you employ parallelism the sentence sounds more pleasing and feels complete. Parallelism is used when two or more elements in the sentence are grammatically similar or identical in meaning, sound or structure. It makes the words more persuasive and impactful.
For example- Rita likes studying, sleeping and playing basketball , is a sentence with parallel structure.
4. Keep a check on your grammar
Your sentences seem to be more alive and reader-friendly when you use an active voice instead of a passive voice. They look better when you avoid any run-on sentences and typos in your sentence. Incomplete and fragmented sentences look awkward and sloppy, thus it is important to ensure that they are complete and meaningful.
5. Punctuate Correctly
Proper punctuation has the power to make or break the rhythm of a sentence. Using improper punctuation marks can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Thus, ensure to use the punctuations like comma, period, colon, semi-colon , etc. appropriately in the sentences so that the correct message of the writing is comprehended.
6. Practice with relatable sentences
Parents can create simple and relatable English sentences for kids, which should revolve around the activities of their house. This will help them understand the meaning of the sentences easily and the way they are formed. While practicing, parents should ensure their child focuses on the structure of the sentence and the way ideas have been phrased.
FAQs
1. What are parts of sentence?
There are two parts of a sentence- Subject and a Predicate. A subject is that part of the sentence that tells what or whom the sentence is about. It is basically a noun or a pronoun. Predicate tells us what the subject does with the action verb or it describes the subject using a linking verb and a complement.
2. What is a basic sentence?
A basic sentence in the English language is the one that contains a subject, a verb and an object. The most common pattern of a basic sentence is SUBJECT + VERB + OBJECT
3. What are the rules of a sentence?
● A complete sentence should include a subject and a predicate.
● A complete sentence should include a noun and a verb.
● The subject of a sentence should come first, the verb should be second, and the object must come last. (Subject -> Verb -> Object)
● If the subject is in singular form , the verb must also be in the singular form. Likewise, if the subject is in the plural form, the verb must also be in the plural form.
● A compound sentence must include more than one subject or predicate.
4. What makes a sentence?
When the basic parts of speech such as nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections come together a sentence is formed. However, it requires a subject and a predicate to form a complete and meaningful sentence.
5. How can a student improve sentence structure?
Apart from maintaining the basic pattern of a sentence .i.e Subject -> Verb -> Object, students should not forget to capitalize the first letter of the first word of every sentence and to use appropriate parts of speech throughout the sentence. With regular practice students will get a firm hold on the sentence formation.
