What is a Sentence? Definition, Types, Rules & Examples in English Grammar
Introduction β What is a Sentence?
Grammar ke bina communication incomplete hai, aur grammar ka sabse basic aur important unit hai Sentence. Jab hum words ko logically aur meaningfully arrange karte hain, tab ek complete thought banta hai jise hum Sentence kehte hain.
π Simple Definition:
A Sentence is a group of words arranged in a meaningful order to express a complete thought.
Examples:
- She is reading a book.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Wow! Thatβs amazing.
Yaani ek Sentence hamesha sense complete karta hai.
Table of Contents
In English grammar, a sentence is the most basic and important unit of communication. It is through sentences that we express our thoughts, ideas, emotions, and information clearly. When words are arranged in a meaningful order, they form a sentence that conveys a complete idea.
π Definition:
A sentence is a group of words arranged meaningfully to express a complete thought.
Examples:
- She is reading a book.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Wow! Thatβs amazing.
In short, a sentence always makes sense and communicates a full idea.
Features of a Sentence
| Feature | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Sense | Sentence ek complete thought express karta hai | He plays cricket. |
| Subject + Predicate | Har sentence me subject aur predicate hota hai | Ram (subject) is singing (predicate). |
| Verb is Essential | Verb ke bina sentence incomplete hota hai | She is dancing. |
| Capital Letter | Sentence hamesha capital letter se start hota hai | The boy is smart. |
| Punctuation | Sentence ke end me punctuation mark hota hai | ? , . , ! |
Types of Sentences (Based on Purpose)
Sentences ko 4 categories me divide kiya jata hai:
- Declarative Sentence β Statement dena
- Example: She loves painting.
- Interrogative Sentence β Question puchhna
- Example: Where are you going?
- Imperative Sentence β Order ya request karna
- Example: Please open the door.
- Exclamatory Sentence β Strong feeling dikhana
- Example: What a beautiful view!
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Declarative | Statement/Fact | The sky is blue. |
| Interrogative | Question | Do you like tea? |
| Imperative | Command/Request | Sit down. |
| Exclamatory | Emotion | Oh no! I lost my wallet. |
Types of Sentences (Based on Structure)
1. Simple Sentence
- Ek hi independent clause hota hai.
- Ek subject aur ek predicate.
Examples:
- She runs fast.
- The dog barked.
2. Compound Sentence
- Ye structure tab banta hai jab ek sentence me do ya usse zyada independent clauses connect kiye jate hain.β
- Coordinating Conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so β FANBOYS) use hote hain.
Examples:
- She was tired, but she completed her homework.
- I wanted to play, so I went to the park.
3. Complex Sentence
- Ek independent clause + ek ya zyada dependent clauses.
- Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, if, when, while) use hote hain.
Examples:
- I stayed at home because it was raining.
- Although he was late, he finished the exam on time.
Difference Between Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
| Type | Structure | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | One independent clause | None (basic form) | She sings. |
| Compound | Two independent clauses | Coordinating (FANBOYS) | She sings, and he dances. |
| Complex | One independent + dependent clause | Subordinating (because, if, although) | She sings because she loves music. |
Rules of Sentence Formation
- Subject + Verb Agreement
- Singular subject β singular verb
- Plural subject β plural verb
- Example: He plays cricket. / They play cricket.
- Use of Articles & Determiners
- Example: I saw a dog. The dog was barking.
- Correct Word Order (SVO)
- Subject + Verb + Object
- Example: She (S) reads (V) books (O).
- Tense Consistency
- Sentence ek tense me hona chahiye.
- Wrong: She goes to school and was playing.
- Correct: She goes to school and plays.
- Punctuation Rules
- Declarative β Full Stop (.)
- Interrogative β Question Mark (?)
- Exclamatory β Exclamation (!)
- Clarity of Thought
- Sentence hamesha simple aur meaningful ho.
- Wrong: Fast boy run.
- Correct: The boy runs fast.
More Examples
- Simple Sentence: The cat sleeps.
- Compound Sentence: I was tired, so I went to bed early.
- Complex Sentence: The cat sleeps because it is tired.
Exercises
- Identify the type of sentence:
- She is my best friend.
- Do you like coffee?
- Close the door.
- Wow! What a game!
- Change into compound sentence:
- She was late. She missed the bus.
- Change into complex sentence:
- He worked hard. He passed the exam.
FAQs
Q1. What is a sentence in grammar?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
Q2. How many types of sentences are there?
Based on purpose β 4 types (Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, Exclamatory).
Based on structure β 3 types (Simple, Compound, Complex).
Q3. What are the rules of sentence formation?
Subject-Verb agreement, word order, correct tense, and punctuation.
Q4. Give 3 examples of complex sentences.
- I will call you when I reach home.
- She stayed home because she was unwell.
- Although it rained, we enjoyed the picnic.
Q5. What is the difference between a phrase and a sentence?
A phrase does not have a complete thought, while a sentence expresses a complete idea.
Conclusion
Sentence English grammar ka fundamental building block hai. Har effective communication ki shuruaat ek well-formed sentence se hoti hai.
- Simple Sentence: One idea.
- Compound Sentence: Two or more equal ideas.
- Complex Sentence: One main idea + supporting idea.
π Always follow the rules of sentence formation to make your writing clear, meaningful, and grammatically correct.