Sentences: Definition, Characteristics, Types, Elements, Structures, Forms
Sentence Form- Sentences are usually a series of words arranged according to applicable rules.
Each word involved is arranged according to the rules.
Each word also belongs to a class or category and has a function in the sentence.
The order of the word series will also determine the type of sentence produced.
Sentence is a syntactic unit that has been compiled from basic constituents, generally in the form of a clause, which has been completed with conjunctions if needed, and is accompanied by final intonation.
The role of the sentence is indeed very important because it must be able to convey information, ask questions, even to express the emotions that are being felt.
Table of contents
Understanding Sentences According to Experts
Understanding the sentence according to Keraf's opinion (1984:156) defines a sentence as a part of speech that is preceded and followed by silence, while the intonation indicates that the part of the speech is complete.
Understanding sentences according to Dardjowidojo's opinion (1988: 254) states that a sentence is the smallest part of an utterance or text (discourse) that expresses a grammatically intact thought.
The meaning of the sentence according to Slamet Muljana (1969) explain the sentence as a whole use of the words in song, arranged according to the language system concerned; maybe only one word is used, maybe more.
Understanding the sentence according to the opinion of Kridalaksana (2001:92) sentence as a language unit that is relatively independent, has a final intonation pattern, and actually or potentially consists of clauses; free clauses that are part of the cognitive part of the conversation; a propositional unit which is a combination of clauses or is a clause, which forms an independent unit; minimal answers, exclamations, greetings, and so on.
According to the traditional grammarian in the book Chaer (1994:240), A sentence is an orderly arrangement of words that contains a complete thought.
In the opinion of Alwi et al., (2000:311), "In written form, sentences are spoken in an up and down voice and loudly between pauses, ending with the final intonation" followed by a silence that prevents fusion, both sound assimilation and phonological processing other".
In addition, there is also the meaning of the sentence in in Standard Indonesian Grammar (1988):
Mention that a sentence is the smallest part of speech or text (discourse) that expresses a complete linguistic mind.
In spoken form, sentences are accompanied by strains of pitch, interrupted by pauses, ending by finished intonation, and followed by silence which makes it impossible for sound to be combined or assimilated.
In written form, sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark.
At least sentences in the official variety, both spoken and written, must have a subject (S) and a predicate (P).
If it does not have these two elements, the statement is not a sentence but just a phrase. That is what distinguishes a phrase from a sentence.[1]
From this formulation, it can be concluded that what is important or the basis of the sentence is the basic constituents and final intonation, because conjunctions only exist when needed. The basic constituents are usually clauses.
So, when a clause is given a final intonation, the sentence will be formed.
From that formulation, it can also be concluded that the basic constituents may also not be in the form of a clause (because it is usually said to be a clause), but can also be in the form of words or phrases.
Only maybe the sentence status is not the same. Sentences whose basic constituents are clauses, of course, become major sentences or independent sentences.
While the basic constituents in the form of words or phrases cannot be free sentences but only become bound sentences. [2]
If we pay close attention, the constituents that are formed in the core of sentences in Indonesian, it will be seen that one of the constituents plays an important role compared to the others.
It is as if these constituents will determine which other constituents may or must appear in a sentence.
The constituent that has a large role is referred to as the center, while the other emerging constituents are referred to as companions.
In sentences that use verbs, the center is a verb, while the companion is a noun.
[1] Harimurti Kridalaksana, Standard Indonesian Grammar (third printing), (Jakarta: Balai Pustaka) p.254.
[2] Abdul Chaer, General Linguistics, 2012, (Jakarta: Rineka Cipta) p.140.
Sentence Features
- In spoken language, it begins with silence and ends with silence.
In written language, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a period (.), a question mark (?), and an exclamation point (!). - Active sentences consist of at least a subject and a predicate.
- A transitive predicate is accompanied by an object, an intransitive predicate can be accompanied by a complement.
- Contains complete assumptions.
- Using a logical sequence in each word or group of words which supports the function (SPOK) and is arranged into units according to its function.
- Contains: unit of meaning, idea, on a clear message.
- In paragraphs consisting of two or more sentences, the sentences are arranged into a unit of interrelated thought meaning. Relationships are made through conjunctions, pronouns/pronouns, repetitions/parallel structures.
Sentence Elements
In every sentence, of course, there is an element in the preparation of the sentence.
The combination of these sentence elements will later form a sentence that has meaning.
The elements in a sentence are as follows:
- Subject/Subject (S)
- Predicate (P)
- Object/Object (O)
- Complementary
- Description (K)
Characteristics and Examples of Each Sentence Element
1. Subject/Subject (S)
The subject is the main element contained in a sentence, apart from the predicate element.
In the pattern of writing Indonesian sentences, in general, the subject is placed before the predicate, except for inversion sentences.
In general, the subject is a noun. So consider the following example:
- They came from Bandung.
- Justin Bieber is a singer from Canada.
- Bambang went to Spain.
From the example sentence, it can be concluded that their words, Justin Bieber, and Bambang are Subjects.
Not only that, there are also subjects that are not nouns. So consider the following example:
- Wudhu must be done before praying.
- Eight is a number.
- Heartbreak can happen to everyone.
Subject features:
- Answering “what” or “who” questions
- Followed by the word "it"
- Beginning with the word "that"
- Has a descriptor "which" (a conjunction using the word "yang")
- Does not start with a preposition such as "from", "in", "at", "to", "to", "on".
- In the form of Nouns or Nominal Phrases
2. Predicate (P)
Similar to the subject, the predicate is also the main element in a sentence in addition to the subject which is the core of a sentence.
Elements that can fill in the predicate can be word, for example verbs, adjectives, or nominal, numerals and prepositions.
Not only that, as for phrases, for example verbal phrases, adjective phrases, nominal phrases, numeralia phrases (numbers).
Look at the following example sentences:
- Gilang plays guitar upstairs.
- Setiawan cooks samyang.
- Son is looking at online games.
From this example, the words play, cook, and see are predicates.
Predicate features:
- Answer the questions “why” and “how.
- Can be the word "is" or "is".
- Denial can be realized by the word "no"
- It can be followed by the words aspect or modality, for example “has”, “already”, “medium”, “not yet”, “will”, “want”, “want”, “want”, and so on.
3. Object (O)
Object is not a mandatory element that must be in a sentence.
The location of the object is usually found after the predicate with a transitive verbal category (transitive active sentence) which has at least three main elements (SPO).
In an active sentence, the object will turn into the subject if the sentence is passive.
On the other hand, the object in the passive sentence will become the subject if the sentence becomes an active sentence.
In general, objects are categorized as nouns. Consider an example of an object in a sentence:
- Barrel playing slime.
- Zaidan bought a doll.
- The catfish ate the pellets.
In the sentence above, the words slime, a doll, and a pellet are objects.
Object features:
- Behind the predicate.
- Can turn into the subject in the passive voice.
- Not preceded by a preposition,
- Beginning with the word "that"
4. Complementary
Objects and complements have something in common.
In a sentence, both of them have something in common, namely: it is mandatory that there is a reason to complete the meaning of the predicate verb in the sentence, occupies a position behind the predicate and is not preceded by a preposition.
The difference between the two lies in the passive voice. In the passive voice, the complement does not become the subject.
If there is an object as well as a complement in the active sentence, the object will be the subject of the passive sentence, not the complement.
Consider an example of a complementary sentence:
- Gilang always wants to do good.
- Aji's foot tripped on the door.
- The mukena is made of silk.
Complementary features:
- Behind the sentence.
- Not preceded by a preposition.
These characteristics are the same as objects. However, the object is directly behind the sentence, while the complement can still be inserted with other elements, namely the object.
An example is in the sentence below:
- Anggi sent Sri a new book.
- They bought his father new shoes.
The words new book and new shoes function as a complement and do not precede the predicate.
5. Description (K)
Adverb is an element of a sentence that explains more about something that is stated in a sentence.
For example, information will provide information about the place, time, method, cause, and purpose.
Adverbs can be in the form of words, phrases, or clauses.
Adverbs in the form of phrases are marked with prepositions. Such as: in, to, from, in, on, to, against, about, by, and for.
Adverbs in the form of clauses are marked with conjunctions (connecting words).
Such as: when, because, though, so, if, and so.
Description features:
- Not included in the Main Element (not mandatory such as subject, predicate, object and complement).
- Not bound by position (having freedom of place at the beginning / at the end, or between the subject and the predicate).
Type Description
Adverbs can be distinguished based on their function or role in a sentence. Check out the reviews below:
1. Adverb of time
Adverbs of time can be in the form of words, phrases, or clauses.
Adverbs of time in the form of words are words that express time, for example: yesterday, tomorrow, now, now, the day after tomorrow, noon, and also night.
Adverbs of time in the form of phrases are strings of words that also express time, for example: yesterday morning, Monday, May 7, and also next week.
While the adverb of time in the form of a clause is indicated by the presence of a conjunction which also states the time.
Example: after, after, before, at, momentarily, when, and when.
Example: Next month vacation will be held.
2. Place Description
Adverbs of place are in the form of phrases that mention places marked by prepositions, for example: at, at, and also in.
Example: Justin Bieber will have a concert at New Zealand.
3. Description How
Adverbs of how-to can be in the form of repeated words, phrases, or clauses that explain how.
Adverb of way in the form of a word repeat is adjective repetition.
Adverbs of ways in the form of phrases are marked with the word "with" or "by".
Adverbs of manner in the form of clauses are marked with the words "with" and "in".
Example: Mom cuts fish with using a kitchen knife.
4. Explanation Cause
Explanation of cause is in the form of phrases and clauses.
The explanation of cause in the form of a phrase is marked by the word "because" or "because" followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Adverbs of cause in the form of clauses are marked by the presence of the conjunction "because" or "because".
Example: Father told me to stay away from Gilang because not well behaved.
5. Description of Purpose
Descriptions of objectives can be in the form of phrases or clauses.
The objective statement in the form of a phrase is marked with the word "for" or "for".
While the adverb of purpose in the form of a clause is marked by the conjunctions so, so, and for.
Example: Before leaving for Jakarta, Gilang hugged his mother so that his heart is calm.
6. Apposition Description
Appositional adverbs will provide an explanation of the noun, for example: subject or object.
If written, the appositional statement is enclosed in a comma, dash (–), or minus sign.
Example: My lecturer, Mr. Sudarso, was chosen to be an exemplary lecturer.
7. Additional information
Additional information will provide an explanation of the noun (subject or object. However, it is different with apposition statement
Appositional adverbs can replace the element being explained. While additional information cannot replace the elements described.
Example: Gilang, a sophomore student, received a scholarship abroad.
8. Warrant Description
This descriptor will provide a delimiter between the nouns. Examples: subject, predicate, object, adverb, and also complement.
If additional information can be omitted, then this information cannot be removed.
Example: Students who get more than three GPAs will get a full scholarship.
Sentence Structure
All the sentences that we usually use, some of them come from the structure or pattern of the basic sentence only.
In accordance with the needs of each individual, these basic sentences can be developed again based on the applicable rules.
The basic patterns of Indonesian sentences are:
1. SP pattern base sentence
The basic sentence with the SP pattern only has two elements, namely the subject and the predicate.
In general, predicates can be in the form of verbs, nouns, adjectives, or nouns.
Example: The car is big
The car as the subject, and big as the predicate.
2. SPO pattern basic sentence
SPO sentence patterns are commonly used in everyday life.
Example: Gilang drives a car.
Gilang as the subject, driving as the predicate, and the car as the object.
3. Basic sentence with SPpel pattern
Example: His family went on vacation.
His family is the subject, leaving as the predicate, and the holiday as the complement.
4. Basic sentence with SPOPel pattern
Example: A taxi driver drives his taxi recklessly.
The taxi driver as the subject, driving as the predicate, the taxi as the object, and reckless as a complement.
5. Basic sentence with SPK pattern
Example: Gilang plays at night.
Gilang as a subject, playing as a predicate, and night as a description.
6. Basic sentence with SPOK pattern
Example: Setiawan washed his clothes this morning.
Setiawan as a subject, washing as a predicate, his clothes as an object, this morning as an explanation.
7. Basic sentences with S-P-O-Pel-K. pattern
The basic sentence with this pattern has the elements of a subject, predicate, object, complement, and also an explanation.
The subject can be in the form of a noun or nominal phrase, the predicate in the form of a ditransitive verb, the object in the form of a noun or nominal phrases, complements in the form of nouns or nominal phrases and descriptions in the form of phrases prepositional.
Example: Father bought Gilang sports shoes at Moro Mall.
8. The basic sentence patterned S-P-Pel-K.
Basic sentences using this pattern have the elements of a subject, predicate, complement and description.
In this pattern, the subject is in the form of a noun or nominal phrase, the predicate is in the form of an intransitive verb, the word characteristics and complements in the form of nouns or adjectives and also information in the form of prepositional phrases.
Example: I was sad when you went to the hospital.
Type of sentence
Sentence types can be distinguished based on various criteria or points of view.
Therefore, in the linguistic literature and some grammar books, we can find various terms to name the types of sentences.
As for the types of sentences, see the reviews below:
1. Sentences seen in terms of their meaning
If viewed in terms of its meaning or communicative value, then the sentences are divided into five categories, namely news sentences, commands, questions, exclamations, and emphatic sentences.
For more details, see the explanation below:
A. News Sentence
News sentences are also often referred to as declarative sentence, which is a sentence whose contents convey information to the reader or listener.
If one day, we are caught talking about an accident that we know about, then we are reporting that incident.
Example of a news sentence:
- This morning there was an accident in front of the school.
- The accident that occurred this morning resulted in a fairly severe traffic jam.
- The flood that occurred in Pekalongan was as high as an adult's knee.
- There was a fire in the East Jakarta area.
We can see, the examples of news sentences above are very diverse. Some show an inversion, some are passive, and others.
However, when viewed from the communicative value, the sentences are all the same, namely a news sentence.
So it can be concluded that the news sentence can take any form, as long as it contains news.
When written, news sentences must always end with a period.
While in oral form, the news sentence ends with a tone that tends to fall.
B. Imperative sentence
Command sentences are also referred to as imperative sentences which are sentences that mean being able to give orders to do something.
In general, imperative sentences have an intransitive or transitive form (both active and passive).
Sentences whose predicate is an adjective can sometimes also have a command form, depending on the type of adjective.
On the other hand, if a sentence that is not verbal or adjective does not have a command form.
Example of a command sentence:
- Make a sentence with the SPOK pattern!
- Close that door!
When written, commands often end with an exclamation point (!), although a full stop can also be used.
While in oral form, the tone raised slightly rises.
C. Intransitive Command Sentence
The rules to be followed in making a transitive command sentence are:
- Eliminate the subject, usually can be a second person pronoun.
- Keeps the verb form as it is.
- Adding particles –lah if desired to soften the contents a little.
Example:
- You go for a walk sometime!
- Get on a bike once in a while!
- Go to your grandma's place!
Both transitive verbs in the form of root words (up), or derivative ones (holidays), did not change anything.
D. Active Transitive Command Sentences
The rules used to make imperative sentences with active transative verbs are similar to those used by transitive imperative sentences except regarding the form of the verbs.
In a transitive sentence, the verb must be changed into a command form first by removing the prefix to from the verb.
The following are examples of news sentences and commands:
- You are looking for any job (news sentence).
- Look for any job (command sentence).
- You bought your sister a new bag (news sentence).
- Buy your sister new shoes (command sentence).
It should be noted that only the prefix is removed, while the suffix is still preserved.
If the prefix is composed of two elements, such as make- or member-, then only memwhich is omitted.
E. Passive Command Sentences
Command sentences can also be conveyed in the passive form. The form of the verb used is still in a passive state. While the order of words has not changed.
If written, the sentence will be accompanied by an exclamation mark (!).
Meanwhile, if spoken, the tone used tends to rise.
Examples of passive imperative sentences:
- The contract must be delivered now!
- Letters must be typed neatly, yes!
The use of passive imperative sentences in Indonesian is very common.
It relates to the speaker's desire to ask someone to do something for him, but not directly.
Command Sentence Smoother
In addition to the passive sentences previously discussed, in Indonesian there are also a number of words that are used to refine commands.
These words include: try, please, and please which are often used.
Denial Forms in Command Sentences
Command sentences can also be made into a form of denial by using the word "don't".
Like the words "please" and "try", the word "don't" is also affixed with particles -lah in the command line.
Example:
- Don't litter.
- Don't go near the power pole.
F. Interrogative sentence
Interrogative sentences are also often referred to as interrogative sentences, which contain sentences with the intent to ask something or someone.
If someone wants to know the answer to something, then that person must ask someone else, and the sentence used by that person is a question sentence.
There are five ways that are used to form an interrogative sentence:
- Add what word-kah.
- Reverse the word order.
- Use the word "not" or "no".
- Change the intonation of the sentence.
- By using question words.
G. Exclamation Sentence
An exclamation point is also known as a sentence interjective, which is a sentence to convey admiration for something.
So that in its use use an exclamation mark.
2. Based on Sentence Diathesis
A. Active Sentence
Active sentences are sentences where the subject directly does the work on the object.
In general, the verbs used are marked with the prefix me-.
But not least, the predicate in the active sentence is not accompanied by affixes, for example eating and drinking.
Example of active sentence: Gilang uses a bottle to create sound.
B. Passive sentences
In passive sentences, the verbs used tend to use the word di- or ter-.
Example of passive sentence: The building there was done very well by famous architecture.
3. By Word Order
A. Normal Sentence
An archetypal sentence in which the subject of the sentence precedes the predicate.
B. Inverse Sentence
Inverse sentence is the opposite of normal sentence. Where the predicate is used before the object.
C. Minor Sentences
Minor sentences have a core grammatical function.
Minor sentence forms for example additional sentences, answer sentences, greeting sentences, calls or titles.
D. Major Sentences
Major sentences only have a subject and a predicate. Objects, complements and descriptions can be added at will.
It's the same as in the first archetype.
4. Based on the Grammatical Structure
A. Single Sentence
In a single sentence, it only has a subject and a predicate.
When viewed from the constituent elements, long sentences in Indonesian can be changed into simpler forms.
Example of a single sentence: Mothers shake hands
We can see that the sentence pattern above only has a subject and a predicate, so it can be categorized into a single sentence.
B. Compound Sentences
In everyday life, we often combine several questions into one sentence to make it easier to communicate.
Thus, resulting in a combination of sentence structures in which there are several basic sentences.
This combination is called a compound sentence.
Compound sentences are also divided into several types, including the following:
1. Equivalent Compound Sentences
The structure of the equivalent compound sentence has two or more single sentences which when separated can stand alone.
Conjunctions or conjunctions used in equivalent compound sentences generally use the words and, and, commas (,), but, then, then, or.
Examples of equivalent compound sentences: Indonesia is classified as a developing country but Singapore has been classified as a developed country.
2. Multilevel Compound Sentences
A multilevel compound sentence has two sentences, one of which is a main clause that can stand alone or independently and a subordinate clause that is the opposite of the main sentence.
Conjunctions or conjunctions used in compound sentences are when, since, because, therefore, until, so, then, if, so long as, if, even though, even though, if, if, so that, as, unless, with.
Examples of multilevel compound sentences: Scientists are still looking for the origin of the month (main sentence) even though until now there is still no clear certainty (sub clause).
3. Mixed Compound Sentences
Mixed compound sentences are two types of compound sentences (equivalent and graded) which are combined into one sentence.
Examples of mixed compound sentences: Because it was raining heavily, they couldn't go home and wait at school.
5. Based on Sentence Elements
A. Complete Sentence
Complete sentences follow the basic pattern of a sentence whether it has been developed or not.
The use of the elements is also clear. So it can be easily understood.
Example of a complete sentence: The color green symbolizes fertility.
B. Incomplete Sentence
This incomplete or imperfect sentence only has one of its elements.
In general, sentences like this are only in the form of slogans, greetings, orders, questions, invitations, answers, rules, prohibitions, greetings and so on.
Example of an incomplete sentence: When are you coming home?
6. By Pronunciation
A. Direct sentence
Direct sentences imitating something that is conveyed by someone else in detail. Quotation marks are also used in direct sentence writing.
Quotations in direct sentences can be in the form of interrogative sentences, news sentences or command sentences.
Example direct sentence: “Put down your broom!” snapped the security guard.
B. Indirect Sentence
Sentences that report back on sentences conveyed by others. Quotations in indirect sentences are all in the form of news.
Example of indirect sentence: Mr. Gilang told me that reading is better than playing games.
Sentence Function
The function of the sentence is composed of subject, predicate, object, description, and also complement.
For more details, consider the following reviews:
1. Subject
The subject is the subject of the sentence. The function in the subject can be searched with the question "Who/What is this sentence talking about?"
The subject is a noun or noun phrase, because the definition of the subject is something that is mentioned by the sentence.
2. Predicate
A predicate is a direct description of a subject. Predicates can be found with the question “What's with the subject? What does the subject do? How is the subject doing?”
3. Object
The object is the part of the sentence that can be changed into the subject by being passive or activated.
Objects can be found by passively or activating a sentence.
The part that turns into the subject is the object.
4. Information
Description is part of the nature of explaining.
The characteristic of the adverb is that it can be moved past the subject and predicate, without changing the meaning of the sentence itself.
5. Complementary
Complementary shape resembles an object.
The complementary characteristics are that it cannot be moved or skipping the subject and predicate and cannot be changed into a subject.
That's a review of the sentence, hopefully it can help your learning activities.