📚 What are Sentence Types?
There are four types of sentences based on their purpose. Each type has a different job and uses different punctuation.
🎯 The Four Types
1. Declarative Sentences (Statements)
Makes a statement or tells us something. Ends with a period (.)
The sun is shining.
Dogs are loyal animals.
My sister loves to read books.
Pizza is my favorite food.
💡 Purpose:
To give information, state facts, or share ideas
2. Interrogative Sentences (Questions)
Asks a question. Ends with a question mark (?)
What time is it?
Where are you going?
Do you like ice cream?
How did you solve that problem?
💡 Purpose:
To ask for information or request an answer
3. Imperative Sentences (Commands)
Gives a command, makes a request, or offers advice. Usually ends with a period (.) but can end with (!) for strong commands
Close the door.
Please pass the salt.
Study hard for your test.
Stop right there!
Be quiet in the library.
💡 Purpose:
To tell someone to do something. The subject "you" is usually understood but not stated.
4. Exclamatory Sentences (Exclamations)
Expresses strong emotion or excitement. Ends with an exclamation point (!)
What a beautiful day!
I can't believe we won!
That was amazing!
How wonderful this is!
Watch out!
💡 Purpose:
To show strong feelings like excitement, surprise, anger, or joy
📊 Quick Comparison
Declarative
Purpose: Tell
Punctuation: Period (.)
Example: The cat is sleeping.
Interrogative
Purpose: Ask
Punctuation: Question mark (?)
Example: Is the cat sleeping?
Imperative
Purpose: Command
Punctuation: Period (.) or (!)
Example: Let the cat sleep.
Exclamatory
Purpose: Show emotion
Punctuation: Exclamation point (!)
Example: The cat is so cute!
✏️ Practice Exercise
Identify the sentence type. Click to reveal!
1. The library closes at 6 PM.
Declarative - makes a statement, ends with period
2. When does the movie start?
Interrogative - asks a question, ends with question mark
3. Please turn off the lights before you leave.
Imperative - gives a command/request, ends with period
4. What an incredible performance that was!
Exclamatory - expresses strong emotion, ends with exclamation point
5. Stop talking and listen!
Imperative - gives a strong command, ends with exclamation point
6. How many siblings do you have?
Interrogative - asks a question, ends with question mark
7. I can't believe we finally made it!
Exclamatory - expresses excitement, ends with exclamation point
8. My birthday is in June.
Declarative - states a fact, ends with period
⚠️ Watch Out For...
Imperative vs. Declarative
Imperative sentences often have an understood "you" as the subject
"(You) Close the door." - Imperative
"He closes the door." - Declarative
Exclamatory vs. Imperative with (!)
Both can use exclamation points, but the purpose is different
"Stop!" - Imperative (command)
"That's incredible!" - Exclamatory (emotion)
Correct Punctuation
❌ What time is it.
✓ What time is it?
Questions always need question marks!
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Declarative: Makes a statement (period .)
- Interrogative: Asks a question (question mark ?)
- Imperative: Gives a command (period . or exclamation point !)
- Exclamatory: Shows strong emotion (exclamation point !)
- Choose the right punctuation based on the sentence's purpose
- Understanding sentence types helps you communicate clearly