Kinds Of Sentences

Sentences can be classified according to their functions. There are four sentence functions in English: declarative, exclamatory, interrogative and imperative.

Declarative

Declarative sentences state an idea. They end with a full stop.

Examples are:

• Susie smokes.
• The war is over.
• Three students failed to sit the examination.
• I am not ready yet.
• Gauri dances well.
• My mother is a fantastic cook.
• Your sister sings beautifully.
• We are waiting for the bus.

Exclamatory

Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions. They end with an exclamation mark. Examples are:

• What a lovely day it is!
• I can’t believe this!
• What a mess this room is!
• How beautiful it is!
• What an unforgettable experience!
• How beautifully you sing!
• What a tragedy!

Interrogative

Interrogative sentences ask a question. They end with a question mark.

Examples are:

• Is Susie drinking tea?
• What is Susie drinking?
• Who are you?
• What are you doing with my camera?
• Where have they gone?
• What will we do?

Imperative

Imperative sentences give orders or directions. They end with a period or an exclamation mark.

Examples are:

• Wash your hands.
• Do your homework!
• Sit down and listen!
• Leave me alone.
• Stop it!
• Listen.

An imperative sentence usually has no expressed subject (though you is understood as its subject).

Worksheet

Say whether the following sentences are declarative, interrogative, exclamatory or imperative.

1. I was not expecting this.
2. We have had enough of this nonsense.
3. Leave it.
4. Don’t throw stones at the dogs.
5. Who was the man standing outside?
6. Where have they disappeared?
7. Please open the door.
8. Don’t walk on the grass.
9. My sister works in Canada.
10. How long have you known them?
11. What did you do then?
12. How are we supposed to handle this situation?
13. What an incredible achievement!
14. How tiny he is!
15. Fill in the blanks.