1.3 Types of Sentences: Simple Sentences

Types of Sentences

In English, three basic types of sentences exist: simple, compound, and complex. Each type is discussed in the next few chapters.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence expresses one idea.

• Prita is reviewing the financial aspects of our proposed campaign with the marketing team.
• Sales representatives in our Mumbai office have reported exceptional growth this quarter.
• Alexander provided us with three financing options at yesterday’s meeting.
• Procurement management is the strategic approach to managing and optimizing organizational spending.

Note: All of the examples above contain only one independent clause. They, nonetheless, offer readers lots of information (high information content sentences) because they include prepositional phrases.

Using Prepositional Phrases in Simple Sentences

When used skillfully, prepositional phrases can provide the reader with additional information in a precise and concise manner. The table below lists some of the common prepositional phrases.