1. The 4 Main Types of Sentence Structure

A sentence structure refers to how clauses are arranged within a sentence. There are 4 main types:

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i) Simple Sentence

Contains one independent clause expressing a complete idea.

• Subject + Verb
  -> The lion slept.
• Subject + Verb + Object
  -> The lion ate the meat.

ii) Compound Sentence

Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

• -> She studied hard, but she didn’t pass.

iii) Complex Sentence

Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

• -> Although it was raining, we went out.

iv) Compound-Complex Sentence

Has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

• -> Although it was raining, we went hiking, and we enjoyed the view.

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2. The 8 Main Types of Sentences

Sentence types are categorised based on their purpose or function.

i) Declarative Sentence

States a fact or opinion. Ends with a full stop.

• The sky is blue.
• I enjoy reading books.

ii) Interrogative Sentence

Asks a question. Ends with a question mark.

• Are you ready?
• Where is my pencil?

iii) Imperative Sentence

Gives a command, request or instruction. Ends with a full stop or exclamation mark.

• Close the door.
• Please help me with this task.

iv) Exclamatory Sentence

Expresses strong feelings or emotions. Ends with an exclamation mark.

• That was amazing!
• What a beautiful sunset!

v) Negative Sentence

Expresses negation, denial or refusal using words like ‘not’, ‘no’, or ‘never’.

• I do not like that.
• She never eats broccoli.

vi) Conditional Sentence

Shows a condition and its result. Often uses the word ‘if’.

• If you hurry, you’ll catch the bus.
• If it rains, we will cancel the trip.

vii) Existential Sentence

States the existence of something, often beginning with ‘There is’ or ‘There are’.

• There is a book on the table.
• There are many students in the hall.

viii) Subjunctive Sentence

Expresses a wish, suggestion, or something contrary to fact.

• I wish I were taller.
• If I were the teacher, I would give less homework.

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3. Direct and Indirect Speech

Definition

Direct speech quotes exact words spoken. Indirect speech reports the speech without quoting it directly.

Examples

• Direct: She said, “I am hungry.”
• Indirect: She said that she was hungry.

Changes in Tense

When changing from direct to indirect speech, the tense usually shifts back one step in time.

Direct Speech	Indirect Speech
“I am tired,” he said.	He said that he was tired.
“She went home,” he said.	He said that she had gone home.

Exception – General Truths

The tense does not change if the statement refers to universal truths or facts.

• Direct: “The sun rises in the east,” he said.
• Indirect: He said that the sun rises in the east.

Changes in Pronouns

Direct	Indirect
“I am ready,” she said.	She said that she was ready.
“We are going out,” they said.	They said that they were going out.

Changes in Time & Place Words

Direct	Indirect
here	there
today	that day
tomorrow	the next day
yesterday	the day before
now	then

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4. Active and Passive Voice

Definition

Active voice: The subject performs the action.
Passive voice: The subject receives the action.

Examples

• Active: The cat chased the mouse.
• Passive: The mouse was chased by the cat.

Verb Changes in Tenses

Tense	Active	Passive
Simple Present	He eats an apple.	An apple is eaten by him.
Simple Past	She wrote a letter.	A letter was written by her.
Present Perfect	They have built a house.	A house has been built by them.
Future	He will deliver the speech.	The speech will be delivered by him.

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