Sentences

A sentence is a unit of grammar. Typically, in writing, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.

Sentence structures

There are three types of sentence structures: simple, compound and complex.

Simple sentences

Simple sentences have only one main clause:

We’re going on holiday tomorrow. (one main clause)

I’m not keen on musicals.

Compound sentences

Compound sentences have two or more main clauses, joined by a coordinating conjunction:

I phoned her but she wasn’t there.

Are you coming or are you staying at home or will you go and see Mum?

Complex sentences

Complex sentences have a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, introduced by a subordinating conjunction (The main clause is in bold; the subordinate clause is underlined.):

You can call meif you have any problems.

I got up earlier than usualbecause I had to get the 6.30 train.

Although it hurt when she bent her wrist, she could still move her fingers.

Types of sentence

There are four main types of clause or sentence.

(s = subject; v = verb; aux = auxiliary verb; x = objects, complements or adjuncts)

Declarative (statements)	[S] [V]I finished[X]the book last night.
Interrogative (questions)	[AUX][S]Did you[V]study[X]Latin at school?
Imperative (orders, instructions)	[V]Leave[X]it on the chair, thanks.
Exclamative (expressing strong opinion or surprise)	What [S]a gorgeous dress[V]she’s wearing!