Friday, 16 September 2022

SENTENCES, SUBJECT AND PREDICATE, PHRASES AND CLAUSES

 


PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH – PART – 9 (A)

 

SENTENCES

 

A group of words that makes a complete sense is called a sentence.

          John helps Mary.

Who helps Mary?

Help Mary.

What a great help!

 

Kinds of Sentences

 

A sentence that makes a statement or an assertion is called Assertive or Declarative Sentence.

          He wrote his exam yesterday.

          They are admitted in the hospital.

 

A sentence that asks a question is called an interrogative sentence.

          Where did he go?

          Will he attend the meeting?

 

A sentence that expresses a command, request or an advice is called an imperative sentence.

          Come here.

          Don’t smoke.

 

A sentence that expresses a strong feeling is called an exclamatory sentence.

          What a lovely place is this!

          Alas! Our leader is no more.

 

SUBJECT AND PREDICATE

 

In a meaningful sentence, we have a subject to speak about and a predicate, something about that subject.  Usually the subject comes first.  But in imperative sentences the subject is left out.

          The Earth revolves round the Sun.

          The dancing of the peacock delights us.

          Sit down.

          Please, help me.

 

THE PHRASE AND THE CLAUSE

 

A group of words, that makes sense, but not complete sense is called a phrase.

          It was a sunset of great beauty.

          He left the house in the early morning.

 

A group of words that becomes a part of a sentence, and contains a subject and a predicate is called a clause.

          He gave her a chain of gold. (Phrase)

          He gave her a chain which is made of gold. (Clause)

          I think that you have learned everything. (Clause)


-----Thulasidharan V