4 Types of Sentences in English with Examples

A sentence is a set of words which convey a complete idea. It contains the subject (the noun or a pronoun) and predicate (verb part). It starts with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark (full stop, question mark, exclamation mark etc.). For example: “My name is”, this is not a sentence. A sentence would be “My name is Michael Jordan”. 

Types of sentence

There are four types of sentences:

  1. Declarative sentences. 
  2. Interrogative sentences. 
  3. Imperative sentences. 
  4. Exclamative sentences.

These Four different kinds of sentences in English allow us to express our ideas more clearly. Using a variety of sentences in your writing will add interest and help you convey your ideas across effectively. To communicate your idea, emotions clearly, it is important to know the function of each type of sentence so you can make the right choice while speaking or writing, depending on your purpose. Let’s see what each type of sentence means with the help of some examples.

1. Declarative sentence:

It is a sentence that makes a statement (it can be a fact or an opinion). It gives us information. It ends with a full stop (.).They are used to share facts and ideas, in other way, to declare, assert, state, or claim something.

Examples:

  • Sarah went to the empress market.
  • I saw the bird eating popcorns.
  • My new car is red.
  • I know several languages including Arabic and French.

Declarative sentences can be positive or negative. Let’s have a look at the examples of both types.

Positive Negative 
I love chocolate. I don’t like chocolate.
We watched a movie yesterday.We did not watch a movie yesterday.
I baked a cake.I did not bake a cake.

Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentence used everyday in lectures, meetings and debates.

2. Interrogative Sentence:

Interrogative sentences are the sentences that ask questions. They are easily identified as they end with a question mark (?). These sentences want information. The order is reversed from the declarative sentences, the verb goes before the subject.

Examples:

  • What is your favorite color?
  • What is your name?
  • What is your age?
  • Don’t you like fried rice?

Interrogative sentences can be positive or negative. Let’s have a look at the examples of both types.

Positive Negative 
Do you like chocolate? Don’t you like chocolate?
Why did you come?Why didn’t you come?

Interrogative sentences usually starts with the following words:

  • What (what is your favorite food?)
  • Why (why are you going out?)
  • Who (who are you?)
  • Where (where were you last night?)
  • When (when will you complete your studies?)
  • How (how are you?)

3. Imperative Sentences

These sentences give us commands. They command us to do something and end with a full stop or an exclamation mark (!)

Important note that there is usually no subject as the subject is very clear and it is YOU.

Examples:

  • Have fun at the party!            (this is a wish)
  • Feed your cat once per day!   (this is an instruction)
  • Stop throwing water at the car! (this is a command)

Imperative sentences can be positive or negative. Let’s have a look at the examples of both types.

Positive Negative 
Start! Do not start!
Give her toffee.Don’t give her toffee.

4. Exclamative Sentences

These are the sentences that express strong emotions (such as excitement) or a surprise. They always end in an exclamation mark (!). They are similar to declarative sentences but just with more emotions

  • Examples: 
  • What an idiot he is!
  • How exciting the film is!
  • What a great painting!

Keep exploring Englishbix for more quality resources on different types of sentences and learn how to correctly write them.

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