Kinds of Sentences

Declarative, Interrogative, Exclamatory and Imperative Sentences

What is the Purpose of Writing Sentences?

A sentence refers to a set of words that:

• express emotions
• give a command
• ask a question

There are four kinds of sentences:

1. Declarative Sentence
• Sentences that make a statement are called declarative sentences.
• These sentences provide us with information.
• They are the most common type of sentences and usually end with a full stop. They can be positive or negative sentences.

Examples:

Positive Sentence	Negative Sentence
1) I like tea.	1) I do not like tea.
2) We watched the show last night.	2) We did not watch the show last night.

2. Interrogative Sentences
• Sentences that ask a question are called interrogative sentences.
• Interrogative sentences ask for information.
• These sentences can be positive or negative.
• Interrogative sentences are punctuated with a question mark.

Examples:

Positive Sentence	Negative Sentence
1) Do you like to watch TV?	1) Don’t you like to watch TV?
2) Why did you eat the whole pie alone?	2) Why didn’t you eat the whole pie alone?

3. Imperative Sentences
• Sentences that give a command are called imperative sentences.
• These sentences give a command, request or instructions.
• They can be punctuated with a full stop or an exclamation mark.
• Imperative sentences can be in a positive or negative form.

Examples:

Positive Sentence	Negative Sentence
1) Sit down!	1) Don’t sit down!
2) Give her tea.	2) Don’t give her tea.

4. Exclamatory Sentence

Sentences that express strong emotions, surprise, excitement or pain are called exclamatory sentences. They always end with an exclamation mark.

Examples:

1. What a gorgeous place it is!
2. She actually won!
3. How slow they were walking!
4. I am angry!

Punctuation for the Sentences:

Each sentence is punctuated based on the type of sentence it is. Remember the kinds of sentence.

Examples:

Difference between Imperative and Exclamatory sentences:

• An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request. It usually begins with a verb and ends with a full stop or an exclamatory mark.
• An exclamatory sentence shows a strong feeling of surprise. Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation mark.

Common Mistakes:

1. Don’t make mistakes between imperative and declarative sentences, as they both end with a full stop most of the time.

   Examples:

   1. Mix the oatmeal carefully. (Imperative)
   2. My sister works in a factory. (Declarative)
2. Don’t mistake between imperative and exclamatory sentences, as imperative sentences may end with an exclamation mark as well.

   Examples:

   1. Bring the presents outside! (Imperative)
   2. What a terrible experience! (Exclamatory)