By Structure:
* Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause (a subject and a verb). Example: The cat sat on the mat.
* Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog chased a ball.
* Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (clauses that cannot stand alone). Example: Because the cat was sleepy, it sat on the mat.
* Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: Because the cat was sleepy, it sat on the mat, and the dog chased a ball.
By Purpose:
* Declarative Sentence: Makes a statement. Example: The sun is shining.
* Interrogative Sentence: Asks a question. Example: Is the sun shining?
* Imperative Sentence: Gives a command or makes a request. Example: Go outside.
* Exclamatory Sentence: Expresses strong emotion. Example: Wow, the sun is shining!
Other Categories:
* Loose Sentence: The main idea comes first, followed by less important details. Example: The cat sat on the mat, its fur soft and white, and it purred contentedly.
* Periodic Sentence: The main idea comes last, creating suspense. Example: With its fur soft and white, and purring contentedly, the cat sat on the mat.
* Balanced Sentence: Two or more grammatically parallel parts have similar structure and length. Example: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog chased the ball.
Beyond these categories, there are also:
* Sentence Fragments: Incomplete sentences that lack a subject or verb.
* Run-on Sentences: Two or more independent clauses that are not joined correctly.
Understanding the different types of sentences can help you write more effectively and vary your sentence structure for a more engaging and interesting style.