What Are The Types of Sentences and How Do They Work?

How many types of sentences do you know?

Is there just four types or more?

Well! In this piece of writing, you will get your answers!

While, if you properly understand sentence structure it will help you to improve your writing. 

Using different sentence types can make your writing clear and more engaging. 

In this article, I'll discuss the types of sentences with examples and also cover how they are classified based on both structure and function.

So, let’s get into it!

How are sentences classified?

Did you know there are different types of sentences in English?

You might not!

I didn't know either. I used to think there were only four types.

But actually, sentences are classified based on two main things: their structure and their function.

These classifications show what a sentence does in communication. 

Structure explains how a sentence is created, while function tells its purpose. 

A sentence might state something, ask a question, give a command, or express emotion.

When you write or speak, you naturally choose sentence types that fit your message. To make your communication more effective, it’s important to check readability and make sure your words are clear and easy to understand.

When writing different types of essays, the type of sentence you use depends on what you’re trying to say. If you’re making a statement, you’ll use a declarative sentence.

However, if you’re asking a question, you’ll use an interrogative sentence.

The beauty of understanding sentence types is that it helps you communicate more effectively and sound more confident in your writing.

Here, you can also try our sentence creator to write different types of sentences. This AI tool will help you create well-structured sentences that form a great paragraph.

Types of sentences based on structure

There are four basic types of sentences based on their structure: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. 

Each type is written differently, with variations in the number of clauses used.

Now, let’s break these down one by one.

1. Simple sentences 

A simple sentence consists of only one independent clause. 

This means the sentence part contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. 

In a simple sentence, you’re essentially stating one thing. 

Simple sentences are short, straightforward, and easy to understand.

For example:

“She enjoys reading.”

“I’m going to the store.”

Both of these sentences have a clear subject and verb. In “She enjoys reading,” the subject is “she,” and the verb is “enjoys.” 

So, simplify your sentences to make a clear statement without adding any extra information. A simple sentence can also be negative, such as: “He does not like coffee.”

Simple sentences are great when you want to make direct statements or when you're just getting started with writing.

2. Compound sentences 

A compound sentence is formed by connecting two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” or “so”). 

This allows you to express two related thoughts or actions within one sentence.

For example:

“I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.”

“She likes pizza, and he prefers pasta.”

In both of these examples, we have two complete thoughts that could stand alone as separate sentences. 

By using conjunctions like “but” or “and,” these thoughts are joined to form a compound sentence. 

Compound sentences are helpful when you want to show how ideas are related, like cause and effect or contrast.

Using compound sentences in your writing makes it more engaging. It adds variety to the flow and gives more detail to your ideas.

3. Complex sentences 

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. 

The dependent clause can’t stand alone because it doesn’t express a complete thought. It relies on the independent clause to make sense.

For example:

“When I was younger, I loved playing outside.”

“If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay indoors.”

In these examples, the phrases “When I was younger” and “If it rains tomorrow” are dependent clauses. 

They don't express complete ideas by themselves. However, when combined with the independent clauses, they form a complete thought.

Complex sentences help you add depth to your writing by including extra information, like reasons or conditions. 

This allows you to express more complex ideas in a single sentence.

4. Compound-complex sentences 

A compound-complex sentence combines the elements of both compound and complex sentences. 

It contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. 

These sentences are more advanced and give you the ability to convey multiple ideas and relationships in one sentence.

For example:

“Although I was tired, I stayed up late, and I finished my project.”

“We can go to the park if it stops raining, but we need to hurry.”

In these examples, both sentences contain two independent clauses and one dependent clause. 

A compound-complex sentence is perfect when you need to show both contrast and connection between ideas. It adds variety and complexity to your writing.

To create sentences like this, use our sentence extender. It helps you easily create detailed, meaningful, and well-written sentences.

While these sentences might sound long and complicated, they help convey more details and explanation.

Types of sentences based on function

Other than sentence structure, sentences are also classified based on their function or purpose. 

There are four main sentence functions: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. These functions tell us what a sentence does in communication.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Declarative sentences 

A declarative sentence simply makes a statement. 

It is the most common type of sentence. 

The purpose of a declarative sentence is to inform, describe, or state a fact. It ends with a period.

For example:

“The sky is blue.”

“I live in New York.”

Both sentences present clear information. Declarative sentences can also express opinions or offer explanations.

For example:

“I think winter is the best season.”

“He explained the process to me.”

These sentences are the base of most writing and speech. They help us share ideas and notice things around us.

2. Interrogative sentences 

An interrogative sentence is used to ask a question. 

It begins with a question word (like “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” or “how”) or a helping verb (like “is,” “are,” “can,” “do,” etc.). 

Interrogative sentences always end with a question mark.

For example:

“Where are you going?”

“Do you want some coffee?”

These sentences are designed to gather information. You can also ask yes/no questions, like:

“Are you coming to the party?”

“Can I borrow your pen?”

Interrogative sentences are essential for conversations. It allows us to ask for clarification, directions, or explanations.

3. Imperative sentences 

An imperative sentence gives a command or instruction. 

It is used to tell someone to do something, and it usually ends with a period or an exclamation mark, depending on the tone.

For example:

“Please pass the salt.”

“Close the door!”

In some cases, imperative sentences can also offer advice or suggestions:

“Try the other route.”

“Read this book, it’s amazing!”

Imperative sentences usually have an implied subject, "you." The subject isn’t directly stated, but it’s clear who the speaker is talking to.

Imperative sentences are used when giving instructions, making requests, or offering guidance. They help get things done quickly and efficiently.

4. Exclamatory sentences 

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion such as surprise, excitement, or anger. 

These sentences are marked by an exclamation mark at the end.

For example:

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

“I can’t believe we won!”

Exclamatory sentences add passion to your writing and help convey your emotional reaction to something. You might use them to express joy, frustration, or amazement.

For example:

“How beautiful this city is!”

“What a wonderful day it has been!”

Exclamatory sentences aren’t used as often as other types. But they add excitement and energy to your writing!

Sentence functions and sentence structures: What’s the difference? 

It’s easy to confuse sentence functions with sentence structures, but they are quite different. 

Sentence structure refers to how a sentence is created—whether it’s simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. 

On the other hand, sentence function refers to the purpose or role of a sentence in communication, such as making a statement (declarative), asking a question (interrogative), giving a command (imperative), or expressing emotion (exclamatory). 

If you understand both sentence structure and function, it can improve your writing by making your sentences more interesting and purposeful.

Frequently asked questions

How many sentence types are there?

There are four main types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.

Can a sentence be both compound and complex?

Yes, a compound-complex sentence contains both compound and complex elements. It has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

How can I identify which type of sentence I’m using?

Look for the number of clauses (independent or dependent) and the punctuation used (comma, conjunctions, question mark, etc.) to identify the type of sentence.

How do the four types of sentences differ from each other?

The four types differ in the number of clauses they contain and their function. Simple sentences have one independent clause, compound sentences have two, complex sentences have one independent clause and at least one