Student Support Services
Troy University
Spring Semester 2010
SENTENCE TYPES
Objective
 To help students learn various sentence types
and patterns
 To helps students construct and revise
sentences
Targeted Group: College
Students/Participants/Writers
First, What is a “sentence”?
 Expression of a complete thought
 An independent clause
(Noun + verb or verb phrase)
Example: Jessica writes.
 Subject + predicate
What is the subject of a sentence?
“The subject of a sentence is the person, place,
thing, or idea that is doing or being something.”
(grammar.ccc.comment)
Examples: Joe spoke briefly and then sat down.
The two-passenger airplane crashed into a tree.
Love is the most difficult word to define.
What is the Predicate of a sentence?
The Predicate: “The predicate is the part of the
sentence that contains a verb or verb phrase(s)
and its complements.” (grammar.ccc.comment)
Examples: Joe spoke briefly and then sat down.
The two-passenger airplane crashed into a tree.
Love is the most difficult word to define.
Four Sentence Types
There are four kinds of sentences:
-- Assertive or declarative sentence (a direct statement)
Example: The book fell to the floor.
-- Imperative sentence (a command).
Example: Turn right at the corner and then drive two miles.
-- Interrogative sentence (a question)
Example: Are you afraid of the dark?
-- Exclamatory sentence (an exclamation)
Example: Stop trying to break my arm!
Example: Wow, I won a million dollars!
Sentence patterns
 Pattern 1: Simple Sentence
One independent clause (S+V)
Example: John coughed.
 Pattern 2: Compound Sentence
Two or more independent clauses joined by a
conjunction.
Example: John coughed loudly and Nancy
sneezed repeatedly.
Sentence patterns
 Pattern 3: Complex Sentence
This pattern includes a dependent Clause
that follows or precedes the independent
clause.
Example: Because he has seasonal
allergies, John coughs, sneezes, and blows
his nose repeatedly.
Regardless of the type of sentence
or sentence pattern you write. . .
 You must be able to identify certain logic and
grammar errors in sentences and learn to
correct such errors.
 Please identify and correct the sentence
problems in the sentences on the handout
that accompanies this presentation.
(Optional)
In Conclusion . . .
 Please complete an academic seminar
evaluation form and submit it to SSS staff.
 Please suggest workshop ideas on your seminar
evaluation form.
 Thank you for your participation and . . .
 Enjoy your learning opportunity here at Troy
University. Have a great day!
THE END.
THANK YOU . . . for your
Attention and Participation.
Contact Information
Troy University
Troy, Alabama 36082
Student Support Services
109 Shackelford Hall Annex; Troy University; Troy, AL 36082
Phone: 334-670-5985
Coordinator: Buffie M. Edwards
Rebecca C. Money, English/Reading Specialist
109 Shackelford Hall Annex; Troy University; Troy, AL 36082
Phone: 334-670-5985; rmoney@troy.edu / PPT Developed 2007/04-02