Types of Sentences
Read the sentences:
- A cute kitten is looking at a butterfly.
- Get out!
- The house is on fire!
- What time is it?
This is because each of the sentences written is of four different types. This means there are four types of sentences in English.
Declarative sentences:
Of the sentences framed above based on the pictures, sentence 1 (A cute kitten is looking at a butterfly.) gives us a direct statement and, thus, is an example of a declarative sentence.
So, if someone asks you to describe what a declarative sentence is, just say that;
A declarative sentence is a sentence that makes statements or assertions. It is punctuated by a period, which we commonly refer to as a full-stop.
As simple as that.
Examples:
- Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Roses are red.
Imperative sentences:
Of the sentences framed above based on the pictures, sentence 2 can be seen as a command (Get out!) and, thus, is an example of an imperative sentence.
So, an imperative sentence can be defined as;
A command or a polite request expressed in a sentence. It often ends with a period and sometimes with an exclamatory mark.
Examples:
- Have mercy upon us. (request)
- Go now! (command)
- You stay out of this! (command)
Exclamatory sentences:
Of the sentences framed above based on the pictures, sentence 3 (The house is on fire!) exudes a feeling of strong excitement and, thus, is an example of an exclamatory sentence.
So, the definition of an exclamatory sentence would be;
A sentence that expresses a strong feeling, great emotion, or excitement. It always ends with an exclamation mark (!).
Examples:
- How cold the night is!
- What a shame!
- What a coincidence this is!
Interrogative sentences:
Of the sentences framed above based on the pictures, sentence 4(What time is it?) asks a question and is an example of an interrogative sentence.
Definition:
A sentence that asks a question is called an interrogative sentence. It ends with a question mark(?).
Examples:
- What is your name?
- How are you?
- Why are you crying?
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