English Grammar Lesson: Sentence Structure

1. What is a Sentence?

Definition: A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It typically contains a subject and a predicate.

Examples:

• She is reading a book.
• The cat sleeps on the sofa.

2. Types of Sentences

Sentences can be categorized based on their purpose:

• Declarative Sentences: Make a statement.
  Example: The sky is blue.
• Interrogative Sentences: Ask a question.
  Example: Are you coming?
• Imperative Sentences: Give a command or request.
  Example: Please sit down.
• Exclamatory Sentences: Express strong emotion.
  Example: What a beautiful day!

3. Sentence Structure

Sentences can be categorized based on their structure:

• Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause.
  Example: She reads.
• Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon.
  Example: She reads, and he writes.
• Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
  Example: She reads while he writes.
• Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
  Example: She reads, and he writes because they enjoy learning.

4. Sentence Components

A sentence is made up of the following components:

• Subject: The person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about.
  Example: The cat is sleeping.
• Predicate: The part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or is.
  Example: The cat is sleeping.
• Object: The entity that is acted upon by the subject.
  Example: She reads a book.
• Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate.
  Example: He reads (independent clause) while she writes (dependent clause).
• Phrase: A group of words that does not contain a subject and a predicate and acts as a single part of speech.
  Example: In the morning, after the show.

5. Punctuation in Sentences

Punctuation is essential for clarity in sentences:

• Period (.) – Used at the end of a declarative or imperative sentence.
  Example: She is reading.
• Question Mark (?) – Used at the end of an interrogative sentence.
  Example: Are you coming?
• Exclamation Mark (!) – Used at the end of an exclamatory sentence.
  Example: What a surprise!
• Comma (,) – Used to separate elements in a sentence, often in compound sentences or after introductory phrases.
  Example: After the show, we went home.
• Semicolon (;) – Used to connect closely related independent clauses.
  Example: She reads; he writes.