Sentences

For Intermediate learners

A sentence is a unit of language that typically contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Follow the lesson to find out how it works.

What Are Sentences?

Sentences are groups of words joined together which include a subject and a predicate and present an idea or suggestion, ask a question, give an order, etc.

Sentences: Types Based on Structure

Sentences can be divided into different groups. Here, we are going to see how many kinds of sentences we have based on structure:

Now, let us explore two of these types:

Simple Sentences

Simple sentences are complete on their own and do not depend on any other sentence to be meaningful. Look at the examples below:

I want to be independent.

As you can see, the sentence is complete and can stand alone.

Hannah is talking to her father.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences consist of two simple sentences joined together. Each of the sentences is independent and can stand on its own. We use coordinating conjunctions such as 'and', 'but', 'or', and 'for' to connect them. Let us take a look at some examples below:

Mom wants to go out, but I feel like staying home.

Here, each sentence can stand alone.

The girls are walking and the boys are running.

Sentences: Types Based on Mood

We can also divide sentences into different groups based on their mood. Look at the following list:

Now, let us analyze each:

Declarative Mood

When we are giving information, presenting an idea, or stating a fact, we use the 'declarative mood'. In this mood, we use a full stop at the end of the sentence. Look at the following examples:

Yara and Miley want to go to the movies tonight.

The government has decided to take serious action.

Interrogative Mood

The interrogative mood is used to ask questions. We must always use a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence. Look at the following examples:

Why can't you stay more?

Couldn't she go to the class alone?

Imperative Mood

When we want to order someone to do something, we must use the imperative mood. In this mood, the subject is always 'you' and it is hidden. We mostly put a full stop at the end of these sentences but if the request is urgent, we can also use an exclamation mark. Look at the following examples:

Close the door.

Get out of here at once!

Exclamatory Mood

When we want to show some strong emotion like anger, excitement, etc. we mainly use this mood. An exclamation mark is always put at the end of these sentences. Look:

Wow! Such a beautiful blue sky!

How dare you!

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What Are Sentences?
- Simple Sentences
- Compound Sentences

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