Types of sentences - A Guide on Types

Types of sentences is a crucial thing in English grammar. A sentence refers to few grammatically connected words, which are arranged in a way to make it meaningful. Almost all sentences consist of a subject and a predicate. It is very important while you are writing an English assignment. However, there is always a punctuation mark at the end of each sentence and that plays a crucial role in determining the structure and type of sentence. In English grammar, there are different types of sentences, with different types of purpose. Thus, structure and difference in functions are the main reason for classification of the sentences into different categories.

Different types of sentences

Based on function, sentences are classified into four categories: Declarative, Interrogative, Exclamatory and Imperative. The structure and proper punctuation mark make these sentences meaningful. Each of these types has their own purpose and use. Before elaborating the types of sentences, it is important to focus on the different punctuations. There are only three types of punctuation to end a sentence, and those are Period, Question mark and Exclamation mark.

While writing different types of sentences, it is extremely important to use the right type of punctuation mark as that is what creates the meaning for the sentence and also establishes its type. For example, an interrogative sentence must end with a question mark and an exclamatory sentence must end with an exclamation mark.

1. Declarative sentence or the statement

A declarative sentence is the one that directly makes a statement or declares or expresses an opinion. In simple terms, this type of sentence makes a declaration and states something. This type of sentence always ends with a period.

Examples:

• We must go on a holiday very soon. (Expressing an opinion)
• That particular table is century old. (Making a statement)
• He loves coffee, but he does not know how to make it.
• We did not go the football field yesterday.

In all these sentences, either a statement is made or an opinion has been expressed. The sentence structure can be simple or compound and it can be positive or negative. The tense can be past, present or future, however, in any case, the sentence should make a declaration. This is the most common sentence type.

2. Interrogative sentence

As the name goes, an interrogative sentence is the one that interrogates or asks questions. These sentences always ask direct questions and end with question mark. These often begin with words like, ‘How’, ‘Why’, ‘What’, ‘When’, ‘Who’, ‘Where’, ‘Whose’, ‘Am’, ‘Is’, ‘Are’ or ‘Do’ and so on. These sentences also require a noun or a verb to complete the meaning.

Examples:

• How far is Manhattan from Philadelphia?
• Which state park has the darkest sky for star watching?
• Do you want some pizza for lunch?
• Why is the clock not working?
• Are you going home?

As can be seen from the examples, all these sentences have a complete and direct meaning and are ending with a question mark.

3. Imperative sentence

An imperative sentence is the one that expresses a command or makes a request. This type of sentences often end with a period, however, in some specific circumstances, can end with an exclamation mark. Hence, in other words, it does not simply state a fact, makes declaration or a statement, rather this sentence is used to give specific information to someone either as a friendly advice, a request, general instructions or commands.

Examples:

• Please shut the door while you go out.
• Turn left at the crossing.
• Do not sit on that chair, it has a leg broken.
• I need you to make the call.
• Do not stop!

Thus, it can be seen that imperative sentences can be positive or negative, and sometimes can end with an exclamation mark. These appear like declarative sentences, but the tone of the speaker or the context in a story make these imperative sentences.

4. Exclamatory sentence

This type of sentence is used to express certain emotions like anger, excitement, happiness, and surprise and end with an exclamation mark. Although these are like declarative sentences, but these express strong emotion.

Example:

• I said I wanted pizza instead of Chinese!
• How well she dances!
• Great, he won the gold medal!
• It is too difficult to trek on those roads, especially at night!

Hence, these sentences can also be positive or negative depending on how the speaker is saying the sentence or writing in the context, and can be simple, compound or complex.