A **sentence** is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The basic types of sentences are listed below with the functions they are mainly used for.
* Each sentence in the Bible belongs to a certain sentence type and has a certain function, but some languages would not use that type of sentence for that function.
> The jailer…said, “Sirs, <u>what must I do to be saved?</u> “ They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.” (Acts 16:29-31 ULT)
> …but if you want to enter into life, <u>keep the commandments</u>.…If you wish to be perfect, <u>go</u>, <u>sell</u> what you have, and <u>give</u> it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. (Matthew 19:17, 21 ULT)
With a **suggestion**, the speaker tells someone something to do or not do that he thinks might help that person. In the example below, it is best for both blind men if they do not try to lead each other.
Speakers may intend to be part of the group that does what is suggested. In Genesis 11, the people were saying that it would be good for them all to make bricks together.
With an **invitation**, the speaker uses politeness or friendliness to suggest that someone do something if he wants. This is usually something that the speaker thinks the listener will enjoy.
With a **request**, the speaker uses politeness to say that he wants someone to do something. This may include the word ‘please’ to make it clear that it is a request and not a command. This is usually something that would benefit the speaker.
1. Use your language’s ways of showing that a sentence has a particular function.
1. When a sentence in the Bible has a sentence type that your language would not use for the sentence’s function, see the pages below for translation strategies.