By Structure:
* Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause (a complete thought). Example: *The dog barked.*
* Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: *The dog barked, and the cat hissed.*
* Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone). Example: *Because the dog barked, the cat hissed.*
* Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Example: *Because the dog barked, the cat hissed, and the bird flew away.*
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: *Close the door.*
* Exclamatory Sentence: Expresses strong emotion. Example: *Wow, that's amazing!*
By Form:
* Loose Sentence: Main idea comes first, followed by modifiers. Example: *The old man walked slowly down the street, his cane tapping rhythmically on the pavement.*
* Periodic Sentence: Main idea comes last, building suspense. Example: *Despite the rain, the wind, and the darkness, they continued their journey.*
* Balanced Sentence: Two or more grammatically parallel structures create a sense of balance. Example: *The dog barked loudly, and the cat hissed softly.*
Other Types:
* Rhetorical Question: A question asked for effect, not to elicit an answer. Example: *Is the sky blue?*
* Tag Question: A short question added to the end of a statement. Example: *The sun is shining, isn't it?*
Important Note: These categories are not mutually exclusive. For example, a sentence can be both simple and declarative.