Writing Tips 4 Types of Sentences to Know

By WR!TERS@WORK

Every student writing an essay will be familiar with the different types of sentences, even though they may not be able to put a name to the categories of sentences. Types of sentences are categorised by function and structure. Students should be familiar with the different types of sentences so they can recognise which sentences they are using in their composition. WRITERS AT WORK teachers encourage students who are used to writing simple sentences to experiment with more complex sentence types so that they improve in their English proficiency and fluency by offering comprehensive English tuition and composition writing classes to both PSLE and O Level students.

Types of Sentences According to Function

1. Declarative

When you declare something, you put out a statement to the world to communicate a fact, an opinion, observation, or explanation. This is arguably the simplest kind of sentence – we utter hundreds of these sentences over the course of the week. Even children are capable of stating facts! It is important for beginner writers to remember that these sentences end with a period.

Here are some examples of declarative sentences:

I think that I need to go to the toilet.

Fishes live in water.

2. Interrogative

If you have seen a show where policemen are trying to solve a case, they may interrogate a suspect – this means they take him in for questioning. Similarly, interrogative sentences want more information in the form of answers. The purpose of these sentences is to fill in missing information or confirm something. These sentences end with a question mark.

Here are some examples of interrogative sentences:

What time is your next class?

Did you feed the cats before you left the house?

Are we going to the circus?

3. Imperative

It is imperative that you understand how imperative sentences work. Imperative sentences are commands, instructions, or advice given to others to tell them what to do. It is obvious that the subject in an imperative sentence is whoever the sentence is directed at. Usually, imperative sentences will end with a period, but sometimes they end with exclamation marks.

Here are some examples of imperative sentences:

Wait up!

Don’t spill the milk!

Please close the door when you leave the room.

4. Exclamatory

Exclamatory sentences are like declarative sentences, but they are said with more emotion and urgency. This is usually in cases where there is a sudden emotion. Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark. The speaker of these exclamatory sentences is usually reacting to something which makes them shocked, proud, disgusted, or excited.

Here are some examples of exclamatory sentences:

Thank God you’re here!

Oh no! I left my watch on the dresser!

Yikes! That is a scary snake!

Types of Sentences According to Function

There are 4 types of sentences, depending on the number and types of clauses in the sentence. Students should know the difference between an independent and dependent clause. These independent and dependent clauses define the kind of sentence structure. Independent clauses can stand on their own because they express a complete thought. A dependent clause relies on something else – they contain a subject and verb but do not express a complete thought.

1. Simple Sentences

Simple sentences are – simple! They are “simple” because they have one independent clause.

Examples of simple sentences:

I only have Wednesday off this week.

Who sings “Happy Birthday”?

Emma and I knit scarves together.

2. Compound Sentences

Compound sentences contain more than one independent clause. The independent clauses are joined either by a semicolon (;) or by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, not, but, yet, so).

Examples of compound sentences:

We wanted to go to the park, but our parents made us practise the piano instead.

My cat sleeps on the couch during the day and in the laundry basket at night.

The lightning flashed; the rain poured.

3. Complex Sentences

Many students find complex sentences confusing because they feature a subordinate clause. This is a unique type of clause which has a subject and a predicate. However, this clause cannot be used alone. A subordinate clause must be combined with an independent clause in the same sentence. There should be a subordinating conjunction (because, while, if).

Examples of complex sentences:

The classroom had moved on to another part of the museum while I was still at the first exhibit.

When I was your age, we used to listen to music on CD players instead of on Spotify.

I’ll have that if you’re not going to drink it.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

These sentences are both compound and complex at the same time because they contain a subordinating clause and more than one independent clause.

Examples of compound-complex sentences:

Say goodbye to Tucker, and then we’ll make a move before it starts raining.

Ubisoft is making another Triple A horror game, but it will only be released next June.

If the mosquitoes died out in these parts, we would be a lot happier.

WRITERS AT WORK students will learn different types of sentences that are available in their writing toolkit. When students learn the different types of sentences, they get to broaden their content knowledge and recognise the different types of sentences they use in their essays. WRITERS AT WORK teachers regularly stress the importance of basic sentence mechanics. Eventually, WRITERS AT WORK students will get more comfortable with writing essays, they will be able to write fluently and demonstrate their English proficiency in a wide range of contexts.

Master the English Language with Writers At Work

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. W@W reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how W@W makes a difference, feel free to explore our website and watch our YouTube videos!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS@WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS@WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is Creative Writing Good for Kids?

Creative writing is good for children as it teaches them how to use their imagination. Children have a vivid imagination and will enjoy coming up with different storylines and characters. Through the use of creative writing, children can express themselves using the English language, which is also good for their emotional development and maturity.

2. What are Good Creative Writing Topics?

A good start is to write about what you know. Students can start by writing about things that are familiar to them, such as school or family. Then, students can move on to more complex topics, requiring them to use their imagination about events which would be unlikely to happen in real life, such as a fairytale or an adventure story. Older students can write descriptive essays about being in a situation or about more abstract concepts, such as regret.

3. How to Begin a Story?

A good story should have just the right amount of exposition to illuminate the setting and the characters for the reader without giving away the entire plot. The story should begin where it is relevant, and the general gist of the situation should be outlined. The writer should know how to move the plot along from where they start easily, and the story should flow logically.

4. What are the Basic Steps in Creative Writing?

A good first step would be to plan out the story – it is important that the story follows a Plot Curve which has a logical sequence of events and a clear conclusion. The main and supporting characters should be clear – there should not be a whole village of characters – just enough to further the plot. Moreover, the central conflict of the story should be clear.