4 Types of Sentences | Definitions, Structures and Examples (2024)

Can you even count how many sentences you hear or say each day? Too many right? There are 4 Types of Sentences. How we can categorize sentences based on their structure and function? Let’s explore Types of Sentence with Sentence Structure and Example.

4 Types of Sentence with Definitons, Examples and Sentence Structures

Types of Sentences Based on Structure

After exploring the classification of sentences on the basis of function, let’s proceed to The Types of Sentences on the basis of Structure.

Here are 4-types of sentences based on sentence structures:

Simple Sentence:

This type of sentence is made up of single independent clause. It includes a subject and tells about an action happening along with the subject.Besides a subject, it contains a predicate. A predicate is a verb phrase or verb and describes the action the subject performs. Simple sentence can include one or more verbs.

Composed of:

Compound sentences

These are formed by two or more independent clauses. The independent clauses are linked together by a conjunctive adverb, linking word, conjunction, or semicolon. The coordinating conjunctions include nor, are, or, and, but, for, yet, etc. Some examples of Conjunctive adverbs are likewise, therefore, rather, etc.

Composed of:

Two or more independent clauses linked together by a conjunctive adverb, linking word, semicolon, or conjunction.

Compound Sentence Structure:

Independent Clause + comma+coordinating conjunction + Independent Clause

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Because he scheduled his routine (Independent Clause), (comma) it was easier for him to manage all tasks in time (Dependent Clause).

For Example,

She finished her research article, and she finalized the references.
She organized the whole event; then, she cooked a delicious dinner.

These are composed of both, the dependent clause and the independent clause. There is one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. These clauses are joined together by subordinating conjunctions or Relative Pronouns. The Subordinating conjunctions include after, when, because, etc. The examples of relative pronouns are which, who, that, etc. A comma can connect clauses if the dependent clause comes first in the sentence. A simple comma will connect the clauses when the dependent clause appears first in the sentence.

Composed of:

One independent clause + one or more dependent clauses joined by subordinating conjunctions or Relative Pronouns.

Complex Sentence Structure:

Dependent Clause + comma + Independent Clause

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

He completed his review (Independent Clause), and (coordinating conjunction) he concluded the topic (independent clause).

For example:

After she buys a dress, they will go for a long drive.
She gave us a party because she got a distinction in university.

Complex-Compound sentences

Complex-compound Sentences are the combination of complex and compound sentences. It is formed of both, dependent and independent clauses. There is one or more dependent clauses and a minimum of two independent clauses. These are linked with coordinating conjunctions, with a comma just behind coordinating conjunctions.

Composed of:

One or more dependent clauses + two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions.

Complex-Compound Sentence Structure:

Independent Clause + comma + coordinating conjunction + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Dependent Clause + comma + Independent Clause + Comma + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause.

Although he organized his schedule ( Dependent Clause) , (Comma) he decided to reschedule his tasks (Independent Clause) , (Comma) and (Coordinating Conjunction) he carefully analyzed and plan the day (INdepedent Clause).

For example:

After she went to the park, the girl, who is beautiful and smart and wears a black maxi, goes shopping, had an accident, and got severely injured.
She studied days and nights for the test, but she forgot whole syllabus because she hadn’t slept three nights before.

Tabular Representation:

TYPES OF SENTENCE	DEFINITION	STRUCTURE	EXAMPLE
Simple Sentence	This type of sentence is made up of single independent clause.	Subject + Verb + Object + Prepositional Phrase	Aira bought a new dress.
Compound Sentence	These are formed by two or more independent clauses.	Independent Clause + comma+coordinating conjunction + Independent Clause	She organized the whole event; then, she cooked a delicious dinner.
Complex Sentences	These are composed of both, the dependent clause and the independent clause.	Dependent Clause + comma + Independent Clause	After she buys a dress, they will go for a long drive.
Complex-Compound Sentence	It is the combination of complex and compound sentences.	Independent Clause + comma + coordinating conjunction + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause	After she went to the park, the girl, who is beautiful and smart and wears a black maxi, goes shopping, had an accident, and got severely injured.