Transformation of an exclamatory sentence into an assertive sentence

We can change the form of a sentence without altering its form. This is called transformation of sentences. In this lesson we will learn about the transformation of an exclamatory sentence into an assertive sentence.

Study the example given below.

• What a brilliant idea it is! (Exclamatory sentence)

We can express the same idea using assertive or declarative sentence.

• It is a brilliant idea.

Note that assertive sentences end with a full stop whereas an exclamatory sentence ends with an exclamation mark.

More examples are given below.

• What a big tragedy!
• It is a big tragedy.
• How carelessly he drives!
• He drives very carelessly.
• How quickly the holidays passed!
• The holidays passed very quickly.
• What a brilliant performance it was!
• It was a brilliant performance.
• What a beautiful place Kerala is!
• Kerala is a very beautiful place.
• What a cunning animal the fox is!
• The fox is a very cunning animal.
• How sweet the mangoes are!
• The mangoes are very sweet.

Notes

Use what a before a noun or an adjective + noun.

• What a generous woman she is!
• What a foolish idea it was!

Use how before an adjective without a noun or an adverb.

• How gracefully she conducts herself!