Types of Sentences

Read the following sentences: 

1. The dogs in the neighbor’s yard are barking. 

2. Please be quiet. 

3. The house is on fire!  

4. Is it raining? 

Each of the sentences written is of different types, which goes to say that in English, there are four types of sentences.  

Before moving on to the types of sentences, it is important to first know what a sentence is and what components constitute a sentence. 

What is a sentence? 

The words we use to speak or write are generally used in groups as, 

My mother cooks good food. 

A group of words like this, which is complete and makes a complete sense is called a sentence. 

It typically contains a subject and a predicate. 

The fragment of the sentence that names the person or thing being talked about is called the subject of the sentence. 

The sentence’s predicate is the part that tells us something about the subject. 

 For example, in the sentence,  

Russia is the largest country in the world. 

Russia is the subject, and the rest of the sentence is the predicate. 

Let us have a look at the types of sentences: 

Declarative sentences: 

Of the sentences given above, sentence 1 gives us a direct statement and thus, is an example of a declarative sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that makes statements or assertions is a Declarative sentence. It is punctuated by a period, which we commonly refer to as a full-stop. 

Examples: 

• Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. 
• The sun rises in the east. 
• Roses are red.  

  

Imperative sentences: 

Of the sentences given above, sentence 2 can be seen as a request (made by a teacher) and thus, is an example of an imperative sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that expresses a command or a polite request is called an imperative 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 given above, sentence 3 exudes a feeling of strong excitement and, thus, is an example of an exclamatory sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that expresses a strong feeling, great emotion, or excitement is called an exclamatory sentence. 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 given above, sentence 4 asks a question and is an example of an interrogative sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that question is called an interrogative sentence. It ends with a question mark.  

Examples: 

• What is your name? 
• How are you? 
• Why are you crying?