You come across so many sentences every day. And all of these sentences can be categorized into 4 types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory; each with its own specific purpose. Punctuation also plays a role in differentiating between these types. Let’s understand the types of sentences.
Types of Sentences:
Declarative sentences:
As the name suggests, a declarative sentence simply declares a statement or an opinion. A declarative sentence has a neutral tone, meaning it ends with a period mark “.” A few examples of declarative sentences:
- I live at 24, East street.
- I like ice-cream.
- The wind is blowing from the west.
Notice how both these sentences declare some feelings but not very strong feelings, feelings like ” I absolutely love ice cream!”. This sentence becomes an exclamatory sentence ending in the exclamation mark – “!”
Exclamatory sentences:
As the name suggests, exclamatory sentences express strong feelings and excitement or extreme dislike. These sentences are quite loud, in the sense that they explain full emotions. These are declarations just like declarative sentences but with much stronger emotions. That’s why they end in the exclamation mark.
- Wow, she must love scuba diving!
- Red sea blue holes are out of this world!
- I can’t believe she ran that fast to grab the bone!
Imperative sentences:
Whenever a demand is expressed, it’s an imperative sentence. It could also be instructions, requests, a wish or demands. Basically anything you want to make happen can be expressed in what we call, imperative sentence.
- Come to the ball dance with me! (Expressing an invitation)
- Sop moving in circles! (Expressing a command)
- Move in circle just once a day. (Expressing an instruction)
- Have fun at the ball dance! (Expressing a wish)
- Please get out of the room! (Expressing a command)
Notice how imperative sentences above are expressing something to happen, maybe strongly or mildly followed by an exclamation mark or a period respectively. Remember this while forming imperative sentences. Depending upon the sentence’s mood, the sentence is followed by an exclamation mark or a period. Very strong emotions are of course followed by an exclamation mark.
Important note: Do not confuse imperative sentences with exclamatory sentences. One clear cut difference is that there’s always a command in the imperative sentence whereas there never will be a command in the exclamatory sentence. Exclamatory sentences are declarations but really strong ones. Both sentences have exclamatory marks at the end, but they are two different ones.
Interrogative sentences:
Interrogative sentences as the name suggests, express e=interrogation or questions and naturally end in the question mark – “?” Remember that these sentences have which, when, where, how and what in them.
- When do you get off work?
- Who do you trust the most in the world?
- Where do you live in California?
- Which city is your favourite?
- How can I get to this karate teacher?
It may not contain the “wh” questions but could simply be a yes/no question.
- Is she a student of Arts?
- Do you like to eat ice-cream?
Now you should just identify the following sentences:
- Where is her house?
- Wow, she swims like a fish!
- I would love to take you to the dinner!
- She is sitting on the couch.
Let’s see if you can identify these. Have fun!