Sentences are classified according to their purpose: to make a statement, to ask a question, to give a command, or to express an exclamation. Each type of sentence has a specific punctuation mark that signals the reader what type of sentence it is: a period for a statement, a question mark for a question, an exclamation point for an exclamation, or a command. In this article, your will Learn and identify the 4 types of sentences: declarative, exclamatory, interrogative, and imperative.
Note: Don’t confuse yourself with 4 types of sentence structure.
Understanding The 4 Types of Sentences
- Declarative Sentences
- Exclamatory Sentences
- Interrogative Sentences
- Imperative Sentences
Declarative Sentences
A declarative sentence is a complete statement that makes an assertion and ends with a period. For example, “The sky is blue.” The following are examples of declarative sentences:
- The sun is shining.
- I am going to the store.
- We are having a picnic on Saturday.
Note: Declarative sentences always have a subject and a verb, and it usually ends with a period.
Exclamatory Sentences
An exclamatory sentence is a statement that expresses strong emotion or feeling. It usually ends with an exclamation mark and may contain adjectives, adverbs, or other descriptive words. They are not questions and not commands. Some examples of exclamatory sentences are:
- “I am so happy!”
- “I’m starving!”
- “I’m so excited!”
- “I can’t believe it!”
- “What a beautiful day!”
- “I’m so sorry!”
Interrogative Sentences
Interrogative sentences begin with a question word and ask a question. They typically have a subject and a verb, but the order of these elements can vary. For example, in the sentence “Do you like chocolate?”, the subject is “you” and the verb is “like.” The main difference between interrogative sentences and other types of sentences is that they always end with a question mark.
- Is it raining?
- Are you going to the party?
Questions are often used in conversation, to make people feel comfortable about speaking up and asking questions themselves.
Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences are the types of sentences that give commands or make requests. They are used to give instructions, orders, and directions. Imperative sentences are usually formed by using the base form of the verb. For example, the base form of ‘write’ so the imperative sentence ‘Write your name on the paper’ would be grammatically correct. Examples of Imperative sentences:
- “Please shut the door.”
- “Turn on your radio.”
- “Write your name.”
How to Choose the Right Type of Sentence?
Choosing the right type of sentence is important in order to communicate your ideas clearly. There are 4 main types of sentences: declarative, exclamatory, interrogative, and imperative. Each type has a different function and can be used in different ways.
- If you want to share information or provide answers to questions, use a declarative sentence.
- To show extra emotion, use exclamatory sentences.
- Choose an interrogative sentence to ask a direct question.
- Instruct someone how to do something by using an imperative sentence.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between these 4 types of sentences will help you write more clearly.
- Declarative sentences make a statement and are the most common type of sentence. They can be used to give information or state an opinion.
- Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion and are used to make a point.
- Interrogative sentences ask a question and can be used to get information from someone.
- Imperative sentences instruct someone, give a command, or make a request.