從說話意圖上看句子可以分為四類:
1.陳述句(statements)——說明一個事實或陳述自己的看法:
Sometimes he goes fishing.
他有時去釣魚。
He may be in his office.
他可能在辦公室里。
2.疑問句(questions)——提出問題:
What are you talking about?
你們在談什么?
Is that your house?
那是你的房子嗎?
3.祈使句(imperatives)——表示請求、命令、叮囑、邀請、勸告等:
Have some tea.
喝點茶。
Stand in a line.
排成一行。
Take good care of yourself.
好好保重。
Let's watch TV.
咱們看電視吧。
4.感嘆句(exclamation)——表示驚喜、喜悅、氣憤等情緒:
What a fine voice she has!
她嗓子真好!
How I envy you!
我多么羨慕你!
Wonderful!
太好了。
從結構上看句子分為三類:
1.簡單句(simple sentences)——句子成分由單詞或短語表示:
He was walking Slowly in the park.
他在公園里緩慢地走著。
I got up, dressed and hurried down stairs.
我起來穿上衣裳匆忙伸下樓來。
2.復合句(complex sentences)——句中有一個或更多成分由從句擔任:
Let me know when you are ready.
準備好了通知我。(含狀語從句)
All you need is more pratice.
你只需要更多練習。(含定語從句)
3.并列從句(compound sentences)——由兩個分句構成,多由并列連詞連接:
His father is a writer and his mother is an artist.
他的父親是作家,他的母親是畫家。
Honey is sweet, but the bee stings.
蜂蜜好喝,但蜜蜂鰲人。(諺)