A word on sentences
Dahlia Bartley, Contributor

IN TODAY'S lesson, we will be doing some work on sentences. Sentences are used in all languages, in both speaking and writing. It is important for you to have a thorough understanding of this to ensure that what is said or written flows smoothly and is correct. A sentence is the basic unit of communication, but, what is a sentence? Here is a simple definition. It is a group of words expressing a complete thought. It consists of at least one subject and one predicate. Sentences are classified according to their purpose or structure. Today, we will talk a little about the purpose of the sentence, of which there are four:

1. To make a statement, the declarative sentence is used.

Examples

a) My school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

b) My favourite subject is English language.

c) We should all study hard.

This type of sentence is the most frequently used in writing and speaking.

2. To issue a command or make a request, we use the imperative.

Example

a) Turn off the television now.

b) Please do the exercise on page 104.

3. To ask a question, the interrogative sentence is used.

Example

a) Can you give me tips on how to study effectively?

4. To exclaim.

Example

a) What a beautiful dress!

b) Help!

This type of sentence expresses strong emotions.

Please remember that ALL sentences begin with a capital letter and end with any of the following punctuation marks - the fullstop, question mark or exclamation sign. Observe the punctuation mark at the end of each sentence in the examples above. Note, as well, that it is possible for us to use the same words to convey different meanings (different purposes):

He kicked the ball. - Declarative

He kicked the ball! - Exclamatory

He kicked the ball? - Interrogative

You should realise that the punctuation of each sentence assists us with the meaning.

Please work through the following exercise. First, place the correct punctuation mark at the end of each sentence then identify each kind of sentence.

1. Can you say who won the contest

2. The boy is sitting in the room next to the staffroom

3. Place the garbage in the bins

4. What a miracle

5. On Friday, I will bake your birthday cake

6. Will I see you tomorrow

7. The house is on fire

8. Read the poem carefully

Now, read the following extract from a short story by Tom Stockwell:

Discarding the junk mail, I quickly tore open the remaining envelope.

"Is it from him?" asked my wife hopefully.

I hesitated. "Yes, it is," I said, returning to the lounge.

"Read it to me, please."

Sitting down beside her, I removed the contents of the envelope.

"What are you doing?" she demanded. "For goodness sake, read the letter!

"There is a photograph with it," I told her.

"A photograph? Is it of him?"

"Yes, my love. It is."

"Well, how does he look? What does he say? Oh, do hurry up!"

Can you identify the different types of sentences the writer uses? You could also try to think of different situations and make appropriate kinds of sentences to suit them. The practice will do you a world of good. See you next week.

Students gather at the Sangster's Bookstores booth in April. The occasion was day-two of The Gleaner's Youthlink CXC seminar in Montego Bay, St James. - Photo by Michael Lee

Dahlia Bartley teaches at Glenmuir High School.