Types of Sentences

Read the following movie lines: 

• “Is it safe?” 
• “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” 
• “Show me the money! 
• “Attica! Attica!” 

Line 1 asks a question. 

Line 2 makes a statement. 

Line 3 makes a command. 

Line 4 exudes excitement. 

The above movie lines, can collectively be called sentences. When we read them out loud, each of the sentences’ tone will differ significantly from that of each other. 

This is because each of the sentences written is of different types. This goes to say that in English, there are four types of sentences.  

Before moving on to the types of sentences, it is important to know what a sentence is and what are the components that constitute a sentence.  

We use words when we speak or write and these words are generally used in groups; as, 

My mother cooks good food. 

A group of words like this, which is complete in itself and which makes complete sense is called a sentence. 

It typically contains a subject and a predicate. 

The part of the sentence which names the person or thing that is being talked of is called the subject of the sentence. 

And the part which tells something about the subject is the predicate of the sentence. 

 For example, in the sentence; Russia is the largest country in the world; Russia is the subject and the rest of the sentence is the predicate. 

Now, let us take a look at the types of sentences:

Declarative sentences: 

Read the following sentence: 

I am going to a movie. 

This sentence is a direct statement and thus, is an example of a declarative sentence. 

Definition: 

A declarative sentence is a sentence which makes statements or assertions. It is punctuated by a period, which we commonly refer to as a full-stop. 

Examples: 

• Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. 
• The sun rises in the east. 
• Roses are red.  
• “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” 

Imperative sentences: 

Read the following sentence: 

Please be quiet. 

This sentence can be seen as a request and thus, is an example of an imperative sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that expresses a command or a polite request is called an imperative sentence. It often ends with a period and sometimes with an exclamatory mark (!). 

Examples: 

• Have mercy upon us. (request) 
• Go now! (command) 
• You stay out of this! (command) 
• “Show me the money!” 

Exclamatory sentences: 

Read the following sentence: 

The house is on fire! 

This sentence exudes a feeling of strong excitement and thus, is an example of an exclamatory sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that expresses strong feeling, great emotion, or excitement is called an exclamatory sentence. It always ends with an exclamation mark (!). 

Examples: 

• How cold the night is! 
• What a shame! 
• What a coincidence this is! 

• “Attica! Attica!” 

Interrogative sentences: 

Read the following sentence: 

What is the time? 

This sentence asks a question and is an example of an interrogative sentence. 

Definition: 

A sentence that asks a question is called an interrogative sentence. It ends with a question mark (?). 

Examples: 

• What is your name? 
• How are you? 
• Why are you crying? 
• “Is it safe?”