Wha do we know about a sentence?

By prof. Abdelhamid  Fouda 

What is a sentence?

The definition of sentence for some people is quite confusing. Some people define a  sentence as: " *The combination of words*" but this is not the proper definition of a sentence. A sentence is something which bears three conditions:

1. Combination of words.

2. The words should be in proper order.

3. It will give us a complete and proper sense/meaning.

*Example*: According to the definition of sentence, given by most of the people, (i.e combination of words), if I write *train the hit boy a*, since it's a combination of words, but it doesn't give us proper meaning because the words are not in proper order. But if I write *The train hit a boy*, it's a sentence because it bears all the three conditions mentioned above. 

*Classification of sentence* A sentence is usually classified on two bases:

1. On the basis of structure and

2. On the basis of function.

Today, we'll cover only the classification of sentence on the basis of function.  

*Classification of sentence on the basis of function*

There are four types of sentence on the basis of function. These are:

1. Assertive/declarative/statement sentence

2. Interrogative sentence

3. Imperative sentence

4. Exclamatory sentence 

1. *Assertive sentence*

"Any positive sentence, that makes a statement or assertion is called assertive sentence".

Or

"A sentence, which declares something is called declarative or assertive or statement sentence ".

Such sentences end with a full stop. *Examples*

1.The teacher was good at Physics.

2. My brother has been studying at Karachi.

3. I love my mother.

4. Imran Abbas is my favorite actor.

5. Indian movies are popular worldwide.

2. *Interrogative sentence*

"A sentence, which asks a question is called interrogative sentence".

Such sentences end with a question mark of mark of interrogation. *Examples*

1. Where is Ali?

2. Have you ever been to Peshawar?

3. Does she like him?

4. Why are you going to Islamabad?

5. Is Hamra your sister?

3. *Imperative sentence*

"A sentence, which expresses a command, request,suggestionetc is called imperative sentence".

Such sentences end with either a full stop or mark of interjection.

*Examples*

1. Go and sit on your chair. 

2. Just shut up!

3. Please bring a cup of tea for me.

4. *Exclamatory sentence*

"A sentence, which shows sudden/involuntary feelings or emotions is called exclamatory sentence".

Such sentence ends with an interjection mark.

*Examples*

1.Alas, he is no more!

2.Amazing! We stood out in the whole tournament!

3.Oh my God!

⭕Remember⭕

In English language, questions are formed in three ways:

1. By putting helping verbs (is, am, are, has, have, had, was, were etc) in the start of the sentence.

For example: 

A. Is your brother a doctor?

B. Has she done her homework?

2. By putting WH-words/question words (What, when, why, who etc) in the start of the sentence.

For example:

A. Why are you shouting?

B. What's your problem?

C. Who is your brother?

3. By putting modal verbs (can, may, would, should etc) in the start of the sentence.

For example:

A. Can I sit here?

B. Would you help me in my work? 

C. Should I go now?