When we discuss the "Type" of sentence, we're discussing how it is builT. There are four types of sentences:
1) Simple - One independent clause --- [I run.]
A simple sentence is a sentence with only one complete thought. It must have a subject and a predicate. It may have either a simple subject or a compound subject. It may also have either a simple predicate or a compound predicate.
ex: My back aches. [simple subject, simple predicate]
My muscles and my eyes hurt. [compound subject, simple predicate]
My face looks blue and feels stiff. [simple subject, compound predicate]
My face and hair look and feel terrible. [compound subject, compound predicate]
A simple sentence may also contain one or more phrases, but no dependent clauses.
ex: I must be getting a case of the flu. [simple subject: I; simple predicate: must be getting; phrase: a case of the flu]
2) Compound - Two or more independent clauses --- [I run] and [I jump.]
3) Complex - one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses --- [When I am chased,] [I run.]
4) Compound-Complex - two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses --- [When I am chased,] [I run.] and [I jump.]
(click the following link to learn about clauses)
When we discuss the "kinD" of sentence, we're discussing what the sentence Does. There are four kinds of sentences:
1) Declarative - makes a statement or gives information; ends with a period --- Flowers smell nice.
2) Exclamatory - expresses strong feeling; ends with an exclamation point --- This is fun! --- I'm really scared!
3) Imperative - gives a command; ends with a period or an exclamation point --- Hand me the fly swatter, please. --- Get down from there!
4) Interrogative - asks a question; ends with a question mark --- How are you today?
