Sentence Types 1st and 2nd Form

Declarative

Makes a statement or provides information - the most common type of sentence in the English language. Example: I was speaking.

Interrogative

An interrogative sentence is a question, punctuated with a question mark. Example: Can I speak?

Exclamative

A sentence that is shouted or expresses extreme emotion, punctuated with an exclamation mark. Example: Oh no!

Imperative

An imperative sentence expresses a command. Example: Stop shouting.

Loose sentence

Begins with a main clause and then adds on subclauses to provide extra information or to qualify the main clause. Example: We had a lovely picnic in the beautiful sunshine, even though the wind was blustery and Lucy had hayfever attacks, one after the other.

Periodic sentence

A mirror-image of the loose sentence in which the main clause comes at the end. Example: If the Prime Minister had taken the time to visit some of our local hospitals himself, if he had sat down and talked to some of our nurses about their feelings, or, better still, if he had used the NHS himself when he needed treatment, then I might be more willing to listen to what he has to say.

Adverbial

The part of a sentence or clause that expresses time, manner or place. Example: At two o'clock the sun came out (time). He left the pub in an awkward state (manner). He walked into the garden (place).

Fronted Adverbial

Where the adverbial occurs at the beginning of the sentence. Example: Under the clock, he stood and waited. Before the sun came up, he rose and left.

Simple sentence

Contains a single clause. Example: I grew up listening to John Lennon.

Complex sentence

Contains a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Example: I grew up listening to John Lennon, although I disliked his later albums.

Compound sentence

Contains two or more main clauses joined by and, but, or, so etc. Example: I grew up listening to John Lennon and he never disappointed me.

Subordinate clause

The secondary clause in a sentence; ie one which does not make sense on it own. Example: After he left The Beatles, Lennon recorded at least one great album.

Minor sentence

A short, (usually) ungrammatical sentence, often used in speech and found in literature for effect. Example: Wow! The English press hated Yoko. But I got it. At last, a girl being interesting and brave.