Identifying Sentences Structure and Function

Structure All sentences can be classified according to the number and kinds of clauses they contain. The four types of sentence structures are: Simple Compound Complex Compound-complex

Dependent vs Independent Clauses Dependent or subordinate clauses have a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone because they begin with subordinating conjunctions (if, since, when, although, because, while) or relative pronouns (that, which, who, whom, whose). They are only a part of a sentence. Independent clauses have a subject and a verb and can stand by themselves as complete sentences.

Simple Sentence (Bachelor/Bachelorette) Most common structure. A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. Ex: The rain came. The thunder clapped and rumbled.

Compound Sentence (couple) A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a comma and a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), or a semicolon (;) or colon (:). Ex: The train entered the station, and the people got on.

Complex Sentence (Single Parent + a child) A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Ex: Since many teens love to dance, they enjoy rock and roll music.

Compound-complex Sentence (Family of three or more) A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. Ex: When I finish buying clothes, I’m going to the market, but I’ll be back in time for dinner.

Function The function of a sentence is classified by what the sentence does. Sentences: Present facts or information Pose questions Give orders or directions Express strong emotions

Declarative Sentence A declarative sentence states, or declares, an idea and ends with a period. Ex: Soccer is a team sport. Ms. Jones is the principal.

Interrogative Sentence ???????????? An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark. Interrogative means “asking.” Ex: What time did you leave? What is your name?

Imperative Sentence An imperative sentence gives an order or a direction and ends with either a period or an exclamation mark. It usually starts with a verb. Ex: Look at all the stars! Follow my instructions.

Exclamatory Sentence !!!!!!!!!!!!! An exclamatory sentence conveys strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark. Ex: What an exciting game! She’s going to crash into that hurdle!

Is it Simple, Compound, Complex or Comp-complex? My mother and father said goodbye and left on vacation. Because the day is so important, many of the festivities are official. I ran for president. We had to leave the classroom, but we left our backpacks. I cannot tell you the answer, for I don’t know it. When the iPod came out, the MP3 lost sales, but MP3’s are more reliable . All the bands performed on the first day; they played well. Rock-and-roll melodies are simple which makes them easy to play. We went to the movies, and we watched The Guardian. When singers perform on stage, people in the audience sing along.

Is it declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory? Do you want whipped cream on your latte? I have two dogs and two cats. I can’t believe that she just said that! Do your homework now! Did you see where the girls went? I saw the girls in the front of the school about an hour ago. Run to the store and get a gallon of milk and some bread. Although most high schools have team sports, many students play on club teams. That movie was the best movie I’ve seen in a long time! Jump over the fence and get the ball.