Types of Sentences

Often, the same set of words convey a different meaning, depending on the use of tone and expressions. Say- I love English Grammar, with a straight face and a moderate tone. Again, say the same sentence with a louder tone and an excited face. We can notice that both of them are somewhat different. How can we reflect this difference in written English? Let’s find out by learning the types of sentences- Declarative, Exclamatory, Imperative, Interrogative sentences.

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Types of Sentences

We convey different feelings in written English by dividing sentences into four broad types. These are :

1] Declarative Sentences

Declarative sentences are the most commonly used sentences in our day-to-day lives. Evidently, we can easily find them all around us. As the name suggests, declarative sentences are used to declare something. Further, we use such sentences to share facts and information.

Again, a declarative sentence expresses a neutral tone but it can also express emotions and feelings. However, they cannot express strong emotions. Eventually, declarative sentences end in a ‘.’ (period or full-stop). Have a look at some examples:

• The dog is barking.
• I love to go to the playground.
• The classroom is full.
• There are so many trees.

2] Exclamatory Sentences

Now we move on to exclamatory types of sentences. Exclamatory sentences are a medium to express strong emotions. In fact, exclamatory sentences are strong declarative sentences. As you know now, declarative sentences are neutral and cannot express strong emotions.

On the other hand, exclamatory sentences are specifically used to express strong emotions. Some examples are:

• Wow, look at the moon!
• See I told you!
• The ground is so big!
• The car is really fast!

All of the exclamatory sentences end with a ‘!’ (exclamation mark). However, you should remember that all sentences that end with an exclamation mark are not exclamatory sentences. There is another type of sentence that can also end with an exclamation mark sometimes, which we are going to see next.

3] Imperative Sentences

An imperative sentence gives a command, a request or shares a wish. Unlike declarative sentences, these sentences do not share facts or information. An interesting thing to note is that an imperative statement can be either a neutral one or can also express strong emotions. Hence, it can with a ‘.'(period) or ‘!'(an exclamation mark).

Thus an imperative and a declarative or exclamatory sentence might appear similar, but a sentence can only be either of the ones. Some examples of imperative sentences are:

• Have fun at the park!
• Remember to switch the TV off.
• You should speak only when you’re asked!

4] Interrogative Sentences

Of all the four types of sentences, interrogative sentences are the easiest to learn about. Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions. The rule of thumb is that these sentences are the only ones that end with a question mark. Also, these have words like what, where, how, when etc. Some examples of these sentences are:

• What are your plans?
• When is the party?
• How are you feeling today?

Solved Example for You

Q: State the type of following sentences:

1. Who are you?
2. I’m feeling good!
3. Where have you been?
4. You should go there!
5. Switch the lights on.
6. What are you doing?

Ans:

1. Interrogative
2. Exclamatory
3. Interrogative
4. Imperative
5. Imperative
6. Interrogative