26 Types of Sentences: Writing a Variety of Sentence Structures Before watching this video, print out the 26 types of sentences from my webpage or get a copy of the worksheet from me. We will be writing each of these types of sentences in class, so the purpose of this video is to familiarize yourself with each type of sentence.

1. Write a sentence that uses a strong action verb. She clasped her throat. With this type of sentence we don’t want generic verbs. Add spice to your writing by using verbs that are descriptive- use dictionary.com’s thesarus to help find the right verb

2. Ask a question Ex. May I use the bathroom?

3.        Use an exclamatory sentence. Ex. We are the best!

4.        Open with an adverb. An adverb describes another adverb, an adjective, or the verb. Ex. Patiently, he waited for his test results.

5.        Open with a prepositional phrase. A preposition shows the relationship of a noun or a pronoun to some other word in a sentence. Ex. Before the test, the class reviewed.

6. Write a sentence in which the verb precedes the subject 6.        Write a sentence in which the verb precedes the subject. The verb comes before the subject. Ex. Here is the paper I was looking for.

7. Write an example of dialogue. Ex 7.        Write an example of dialogue. Ex. “Are you going to the movies Friday?” T.C. asked. “No,” James confessed, “I am grounded.”

8. Write a sentence that uses apposition 8.        Write a sentence that uses apposition. An appositive is a noun or pronoun that follows another noun or pronoun to identify or explain it. Ex. We, faculty, look forward to a wonderful school year.

9. Write a sentence that opens with an adverbial clause 9.        Write a sentence that opens with an adverbial clause. An adverb phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Ex. With lightening speed, Travis typed his report.

10.        Write a sentence that uses parallel structure in words, phrases, clauses or sentences. Parallel structure expresses several related ideas in one smooth sentence rather than expressing each idea in a separate, short, choppy sentence. Ex. During high school, James was a football player, president of our class, and an honor student; after graduation, he became a marine.

11. Write a sentence that opens with an adjective 11.        Write a sentence that opens with an adjective. An adjective modifies (describes) a noun or pronoun. Ex. Blue skies are a sign of happy days.

12. Write a sentence that opens with an adjective phrase 12.        Write a sentence that opens with an adjective phrase. An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. Ex. Of noticeable difference, her haircut was a shock to everyone.

13. Write a sentence that opens with a present infinitive 13.        Write a sentence that opens with a present infinitive. An infinitive is a verbal (verb form), usually preceded by to, used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Ex. To be or not to be that is the question.  

14. Write a sentence that opens with a present participle 14.        Write a sentence that opens with a present participle. A present participle is the present verb form plus –ing, it is used as an adjective or as part of a verb phrase. participles = “verbal adjectives” Ex. Talking students upset the teacher.

15. Write a sentence that opens with a past participle 15.        Write a sentence that opens with a past participle. A past participle is the past tense of a verb formed by –d or –ed, used as a verb or adjective. participles = “verbal adjectives” Ex. Smoked ham is delicious.

16. Write a sentence that opens with a verb. Ex. Run, Forrest! Run!

17. Write a sentence that opens with a present gerund 17.        Write a sentence that opens with a present gerund. A gerund is the verb form ending in –ing that is used as a noun. Ex. Swimming is a lot of fun.

18. Write a sentence that uses a restrictive adjective clause 18.        Write a sentence that uses a restrictive adjective clause. A restrictive adjective clause is a clause that can not be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. Ex. The doll wrapped carefully inside a cardboard box was not damaged.

19. Write a sentence that uses a non-restrictive adjective clause 19.        Write a sentence that uses a non-restrictive adjective clause. A non-restrictive adjective clause is one that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. Ex. Jennifer’s porcelain doll, wrapped carefully inside a cardboard box, arrived today.

20. Write a sentence that starts with a noun-clause 20.        Write a sentence that starts with a noun-clause. A noun clause is not the main part of the sentence. It starts with that, whether, what, who, whoever, whose, where or why. Ex. Whether you get your homework done is not up to me, it is your decision.

21.        Write a compound sentence, using a comma before such conjunctions as and, or, but, nor, yet, for, so. Ex. We went shopping, but Sharon didn’t buy anything.

22. Write a compound sentence with a semicolon and no conjunction. Ex 22.        Write a compound sentence with a semicolon and no conjunction. Ex. We went shopping; Suzie had a blast.

23.        Write a compound sentence using a semicolon before coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) because commas already appear in the sentence. Ex. We went shopping, ate lunch, and saw a movie; and Jane was still energetic.

24.        Write a compound sentence using a semicolon before and a comma after such connectives as however, therefore, consequently, nevertheless, thus, in fact, then, on the other hand. Ex. We saw a very exciting , action packed movie; however, the people beside us would not be quiet.

25. Write a sentence that contains elliptical construction 25.        Write a sentence that contains elliptical construction. Elliptical construction is a phrase or clause from which a word or words have been omitted; yet, the sentence still makes sense. Ex. She runs faster than I.

26.        Write a sentence that uses a parenthetical expression between the subject and the verb. A parenthetical expression is remarks that add incidental information or relate ideas to each other, set off by commas. Ex. Heather, in my opinion, is very lonely.

27. Write a compound sentence that uses a colon 27. Write a compound sentence that uses a colon. The second sentence is explaining the first sentence and is capitalized. Ex. She explained why she was in an accident: The sun had blinded her.

28. Write a sentence with items in a series that require the use of a semicolon. Ex. I visited with my sister, who is a nurse; my brother; and my aunt, who is a radiologist.