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Types of Sentences (on the basis of function)

A group of words that gives a complete meaning is called a sentence. There are various types of a sentence depending upon its structure and function. Based on its function, a sentence has the following four kinds.

  • Declarative or Assertive Sentence
  • Interrogative Sentence
  • Imperative Sentence
  • Exclamatory Sentence

  Declarative or Assertive Sentence

A sentence which declares or asserts a statement is called a declarative sentence. It has a plain and straightforward statement. It simply announces an idea without having an expression of a question or an emotion. A declarative sentence always ends with a full stop or period (.)

Examples.

  • He writes a letter.
  • She bought a camera.
  • He is eating an apple.
  • They are playing football.
  • He is going to college.
  • I met my friend in the library.
  • He is studying a book.
  • She is watching a movie.

  Interrogative Sentence

A sentence that has a question is called an interrogative sentence. Since it asks about something, it is also called a question sentence. It always ends with a question mark (?).

Examples.

  • How are you?
  • Where are you going?
  • What is your hobby?
  • When will he come?
  • Will you help me?
  • Are you feeling well?
  • Have you passed the exam?
  • Do you like coffee?

Question sentences are of two types: 1) Those questions which can be answered with YES/NO (e.g., Do you like coffee? Will you help me?). 2) Those question which cannot be answered only with YES/NO but requires an answer in a few words or a sentence (e.g., where are you going? Why are you crying?). The questions (which cannot be answered simply with yes/any) starts with words such as why, what, when, where, how, etc. The questions (which can be answered with yes/no) starts with auxiliary verbs such as is, are, was, has, had, will etc.

  Imperative Sentence

A sentence that expresses a request, advice or order is called an imperative sentence. An imperative sentence mostly ends with a period (.). However, in very rare cases, it may also end with an exclamation mark (!) if the stated request, advice or order carries an expression of some emotion.

Examples:

  • Please help me.                        (request)
  • Please give me some food.      (request)
  • Please do not make a noise.    (request)
  • Do not waste your time.            (advice)
  • Respect your elders.                 (advice)
  • Always speak the truth.             (advice)
  • Do not smoke.                           (advice)
  • Get out of the room.                  (order)
  • Turn off the light.                       (order)
  • Open the door.                          (order)
  • Clean the room.                        (order)

  Exclamatory Sentence

A sentence that expresses a strong emotion or feeling is called an exclamatory sentence. It can be an emotion of joy, sorrow, surprise, anger, excitement, frustration, and appreciation. The exclamatory sentence may also include words expressing emotion such as ‘Hurrah, Hurray, Wow, Oh, Ouch, Alas’ etc. The exclamatory sentence ends with an exclamation mark (!).

Examples:

  • Hurrah! We won the game!                        (emotion of joy)
  • Hurrah! I passed the exam!                        (emotion of joy)
  • Hurrah! I have been selected for the job.   (emotion of joy)
  • Alas! I failed the exam!                               (emotion of sorrow)
  • Oh! I lost my purse!                                     (emotion of sorrow)
  • Alas! My brother died in a car accident.      (emotion of sorrow)
  • Wow! What a beautiful flower!                    (emotion of surprise)
  • Wow! What a nice car!                                (emotion of surprise)
  • How nicely they are dancing!                      (emotion of surprise)
  • How intelligent you are!                               (emotion of surprise)
  • It’s fantastic!                                                 (emotion of excitement)