Four Types of Sentences

Overview

Every sentence in English has a job. Some sentences share information. Some ask questions. Some give instructions. Some express strong feelings. The type of sentence tells the reader what the sentence is doing and how to respond to it.

English has four sentence types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Each type ends with a different punctuation mark, and each one serves a different purpose.

1. Declarative Sentences

A declarative sentence states a fact, an opinion, or a piece of information. It tells the reader something. This is the most common sentence type in English.

Declarative sentences always end with a period (.).

The subject usually comes before the verb in a declarative sentence.

2. Interrogative Sentences

An interrogative sentence asks a question. It requests information or a response from the reader or listener.

Interrogative sentences always end with a question mark (?).

In most interrogative sentences, the verb or an auxiliary verb comes before the subject.

Questions that begin with question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) follow a slightly different order.

3. Imperative Sentences

An imperative sentence gives a command, instruction, or request. It tells someone to do something or to stop doing something.

Imperative sentences usually end with a period (.) for calm instructions and an exclamation mark (!) for urgent commands.

The subject of an imperative sentence is you, but it is not written or said. The sentence begins directly with the verb.

4. Exclamatory Sentences

An exclamatory sentence expresses a strong emotion such as surprise, excitement, happiness, or anger. It says something with more feeling than a declarative sentence would.

Exclamatory sentences always end with an exclamation mark (!).

Many exclamatory sentences begin with what or how.

Quick Reference

Common Mistakes

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Identify the Sentence Type

Write the type of each sentence (declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory).

1. The train arrives at 8 o'clock.
2. Can you help me with this bag?
3. What an incredible performance!
4. Turn off the light before you leave.
5. My brother studies at a university in Cebu.
6. How did you find this place?

Exercise 2: Add the Correct Punctuation

Add a period, question mark, or exclamation mark at the end of each sentence.

1. She works at the hospital ___
2. What time does the movie start ___
3. What a great idea ___
4. Please open the window ___
5. They live near the school ___
6. How beautiful that painting is ___

Exercise 3: Write Your Own

Write one sentence for each type.

1. Write a declarative sentence about your city.
2. Write an interrogative sentence about the time.
3. Write an imperative sentence asking someone to be quiet.
4. Write an exclamatory sentence about something you love.

The four sentence types give you control over what your writing does and how it sounds. Declarative sentences carry your main ideas. Questions invite a response. Commands direct people. Exclamatory sentences add emphasis when it matters.