4 Types of Sentences
4 Types of Sentences
There are four types of sentences- Declarative/Assertive Sentences
- Interrogative Sentences
- Imperative Sentences
- Exclamatory Sentences
The Sentence: "What is a sentence?"
"Language" is mainly used to speak and write. In other words to communicate or to express. While speaking language we use many words and structures. Words are the building blocks of the Sentence.
We express our thoughts or feelings with the help of different arrangement of words in different structures (syntax).
These arrangements of words help to understand the thoughts to whom we are talking to. This meaningful systematic arrangement of words is called as “Sentence”.
In other words “Sentence is a set of words that makes complete sense.” We can easily make these arrangements of words in our mother tongue.
In the same way we can do it in English too with practice. For that we need grammar. First start with “Types of sentences”.
Types of Sentences
1. Declarative/Assertive Sentences:
- Used to express, to give an opinion or to make Statements. Ends with period (.).
- I love to play football.
- Birds fly in the sky.
- Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Sub-types of Declarative/Assertive sentences:
- Declarative sentences have two sub types.
Affirmative sentences : Positive
- I have a pencil.
- She is dancing.
Negative sentences: No, Not
For example :- I have no pencil.
- She is not singing.
2. Interrogative Sentences:
- Used to ask questions. Ends with question mark (?).
- Usually begins with what, when, where, why, who, how, or Auxiliary/helping verb.
- What is your name?
- Where are you going?
- How are you?
- Do you like to play football?
- Are you coming to watch movie?
3. Imperative Sentences:
- Used to give command, Instruction, make request, advice, etc. Ends with period(.) or exclamation mark (!)
- Drive slowly. (Instruction)
- Stop! (Command)
- Please, help me. (Request)
- Shut the door. (Instruction)
- Pass me the salt. (Request)
- Do not dive fast. (Advice)
Imperative sentences can be positive or negative.
For example :- Stop! (Positive)
- Do not stop! (Negative)
4. Exclamatory Sentences:
- Used to express strong emotion/surprise (sudden expressions) or to wish. Ends with an exclamation mark (!).
- What a beautiful flower it is!
- Happy New Year!
- How awesome it is!
FAQs: 4 Types of Sentences in English Grammar
1. What are the 4 types of sentences in English?
The four types of sentences are Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, and Exclamatory. Each type serves a different purpose in communication.
2. What is a declarative sentence?
A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period. Example: "I like ice cream."
3. What is an interrogative sentence?
An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark. Example: "Do you like chocolate?"
4. What is an imperative sentence?
An imperative sentence gives a command, request, or advice. It can end with a period or an exclamation mark. Example: "Please sit down."
5. What is an exclamatory sentence?
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark. Example: "What a beautiful day!"
6. How can I identify sentence types easily?
Look at the sentence’s purpose and punctuation. If it tells something, it’s declarative. If it asks, it’s interrogative. If it commands, it’s imperative. If it shows strong feeling, it’s exclamatory.
7. Can one sentence be more than one type?
No, each sentence is classified based on its function and punctuation. However, tone and structure can sometimes add emotion or indirect meaning.
8. Why is it important to know the types of sentences?
Understanding sentence types helps improve writing, grammar, and communication skills in both spoken and written English.
9. Are all sentences in English one of these four types?
Yes, all English sentences fall into one of these four categories based on their function and punctuation.
References
- Azar B. S. & Hagen S. A. (2017). Understanding and using English grammar (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Swan M. (2016). Practical English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Eastwood J. (2016). Oxford guide to English grammar. Oxford University Press.
- Murphy R. (2019). English grammar in use: A self-study reference and practice book for intermediate learners of English (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Cowan R. (2008). The teacher's grammar of English. Cambridge University Press.
- Leech G. & Svartvik J. (2003). A communicative grammar of English (3rd ed.). Routledge.
- Quirk R., Greenbaum S., Leech G. & Svartvik J. (1985). A comprehensive grammar of the English language. Longman.
- Celce-Murcia M. & Larsen-Freeman D. (1999). The grammar book: An ESL/EFL teacher's course (2nd ed.). Heinle & Heinle.
- Carter R. & McCarthy M. (2006). Cambridge grammar of English: A comprehensive guide. Cambridge University Press.
- Biber D., Conrad S. & Leech G. (2021). Longman student grammar of spoken and written English. Pearson Education.
