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Figures of Speech IloveIndia
Knowing the types of sentences goes a long way in bettering your written communication. Given below are the various sentence types.

Types Of Sentences

The beauty of sentences lies in clarity, the choice of words and how effectively the thought flows. If words are pearls then a great sentence can be described as a beautiful pearl necklace. Sentences convey more than meaning; they convey style. Now, when writing sentences, it must be understood that it consists of two important constituents-structure and purpose. The structure of a sentence and, the purpose in which it is used, both go a long way in forwarding its meaning. That is why it is important to know, that in how many ways a sentence can be composed. The entire written language depends on the type of its sentences. Only when one knows the various types then he/she can play with words, thoughts and ideas. In any form of writing, it is the sentences that are the building blocks of the structure of the copy. To help you know more of sentences, given below are the various types in which sentences can be constructed.

Sentence Types
Sentences are classified in two ways-structure and purpose.

By Structure
This is a traditional form of classifying sentences wherein, the sentences are classed depending on the number and types of finite clauses.

Simple Sentence
In this type of sentence, there is only one independent clause and no dependent clause. The sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Simple sentences can also contain compound subjects and/or verbs but it doesn't contain any conjunction.
Compound Sentence
In this type of sentence, there are multiple independent clauses and no dependent clause. All the clauses are joined together by coordinating conjunctions and/or punctuations. Here, the relationship between the two independent clauses can be changed by the proper use of coordinating conjunctions.
Complex Sentence
This type of sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one dependent clause. One characteristic of complex sentence is that it has a relative pronoun like 'that', 'who' or 'which' or a subordinator like 'because', 'since', 'when', 'although' or 'after'. If the complex sentence begins with a subordinator then a comma is placed after the dependent clause. When the sentence begins with an independent clause and the subordinators are in the middle, then there is no need to place a comma after the dependent clause.
Compound-Complex Sentence
This type of sentence consists of multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. The clauses are connected by both conjunctions and subordinators.
By Purpose
Sentences are also classified based on their purpose.

Declarative Sentence
This type of sentence, also known as a declaration, is generally used to make a statement. This sentence "declares" a fact or opinion and can be either positive or negative. Declarative sentences always end with a period.
Interrogative Sentence
This type of sentence asks a question or request information. However, rhetorical questions do not fall into the category of interrogative sentences. Interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark.
Exclamatory Sentence
This type of sentence expresses an exclamation; it is a form of statement expressing emotion or excitement. Exclamatory sentences always end with an exclamation mark to emphasize a statement.
Imperative Sentence
This type of sentence is in the form of a command. This is a sentence which tells someone to do something. Imperative sentence, when framed strongly enough, can also be exclamatory. Imperative sentence can also be used to make a request and end with a period.
Conditional Sentence
In this type of sentence, a condition is implied and what one would do if the conditions were met. It generally depends on the use of 'if'.
Other Types Of Sentences

Major Sentence
A major sentence has two components-a subject and a predicate. It is, in short, any regular sentence.
Minor Sentence
Any irregular sentence is known as a minor sentence. It also does not have any finite verb. Minor sentence may include stereotyped expressions, proverbs, emotional expressions, headings, etc. Nominal sentences, like catchphrases, can also be called minor sentences and they do not include any verbs. This intensifies the meaning around the nouns.
Word Sentences
Single words that form a full sentence are known as word sentences.
Aforementioned are all the possible form of sentences that you need for an above average writing and speaking skill. The examples above would help you understand all sentences properly, thus enabling you in using appropriate sentences at appropriate places.