Sentence Analysis – P.L. Koning, Dr P.J. van der Voort
Ch 1 – The Sentence
A sentence is a word or a group of words that starts with a capital letter and ends with a full
stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
There are simple sentences (Janet is a nice girl, -> ch 5) and complex sentences (Janet is a
nice girl, but her sister is even nicer, -> ch 6).
Sentences are either affirmative or negative.
There are *declarative sentences (She speaks/does not speak Russian); these are also called
statements.
* interrogative sentences (Do you/Do you not speak Russian?); these are also
called questions.
* imperative sentences (Shut/do not shut the door!); these are either commands
(affirmative) or prohibitions (negative). Imperative sentences may also express a request, an
invitation or a wish, or, if used with DO, an urgent request (do stay a bit longer).
* exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark (How well she plays the
piano!).
Exercise. A. A sentence is a word or a group of words that starts with a capital letter and
ends with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
B. 1. He goes home at twelve.
2. He does not go home at twelve.
3. Does he go home at twelve?
4. Does he not go home at twelve?
5. Come here right away!
6. Do not come near me!
7. It’s a girl!
8. Do not talk so loud in here!
Ch 1 – The Sentence
A sentence is a word or a group of words that starts with a capital letter and ends with a full
stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
There are simple sentences (Janet is a nice girl, -> ch 5) and complex sentences (Janet is a
nice girl, but her sister is even nicer, -> ch 6).
Sentences are either affirmative or negative.
There are *declarative sentences (She speaks/does not speak Russian); these are also called
statements.
* interrogative sentences (Do you/Do you not speak Russian?); these are also
called questions.
* imperative sentences (Shut/do not shut the door!); these are either commands
(affirmative) or prohibitions (negative). Imperative sentences may also express a request, an
invitation or a wish, or, if used with DO, an urgent request (do stay a bit longer).
* exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark (How well she plays the
piano!).
Exercise. A. A sentence is a word or a group of words that starts with a capital letter and
ends with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
B. 1. He goes home at twelve.
2. He does not go home at twelve.
3. Does he go home at twelve?
4. Does he not go home at twelve?
5. Come here right away!
6. Do not come near me!
7. It’s a girl!
8. Do not talk so loud in here!
