Types of Sentences in English Definition & Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Are Sentences?
• The 4 Types of Sentences
• How to Identify Sentence Types in Writing
• Fun Activities to Practice Sentence Types

To understand the types of sentences, first one must know what a sentence is! Sentences are the building blocks of communication, consisting of words arranged to express a complete thought. 

The types of sentences play an important role in how we communicate ideas effectively. Each type serves a specific purpose, whether it's to share information, ask a question, give a command, or express strong emotions.

What Are Sentences?

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought and consists of three main parts: subject, predicate, and sometimes an object. 

The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about. The predicate contains the verb and tells what the subject does or is. The object is the part of the sentence that receives the action of the verb.

For example:

1. She wrote a letter.
   • Subject: She (who the sentence is about)
   • Predicate: wrote a letter (what the subject did)
   • Object: a letter (receives the action of writing)
2. The dog chased the ball.
   • Subject: The dog
   • Predicate: chased the ball
   • Object: the ball

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The 4 Types of Sentences

In the English language, sentences are classified into four main types based on their function: 

Declarative Sentences

These sentences make a statement or express an opinion. They end with a period (.).  

Example 1: "The sun rises in the east."

Example 2: "My favorite color is blue."

Interrogative Sentences

These sentences ask a question. They end with a question mark (?).  

Example 1: "What time is it?"

Example 2: "Where is the nearest park?" 

Imperative Sentences

These sentences give a command or make a request. They usually end with a period (.) but can also end with an exclamation mark (!) for emphasis.  

Example 1: "Please close the door." or "Be careful!"

Example 2: "Listen carefully!"

Exclamatory Sentences

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Types of Sentences MCQ With Answers

How to Identify Sentence Types in Writing

Identifying sentence types is like being a detective! You need to look for clues to determine each sentence's purpose. Here's how:

Punctuation

• Period (.): Indicates declarative or imperative sentences.
  Example: "The sky is blue." (Declarative) / "Close the door." (Imperative)
• Question Mark (?): Always signals an interrogative sentence.
  Example: "What is your name?" (Interrogative)

Exclamation Mark (!): Signals an exclamatory sentence or a strong imperative sentence.
Example: "Watch out!" (Exclamatory) / "Stop right now!" (Strong Imperative)

Keywords

• Question Words: Words like "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," "how" often indicate interrogative sentences.
  Example: "Where are you going?" (Interrogative)

Command Words: Words like "please," "go," "stop," "listen" indicate imperative sentences.
Example: "Please sit down." (Imperative)

Tone and Feeling

• Conveys Information or Opinion: Indicates declarative sentences.
  Example: "I think it will rain today." (Declarative)
• Asks for Something: Indicates interrogative sentences.
  Example: "Can you help me?" (Interrogative)
• Tells Someone to Do Something: Indicates imperative sentences.
  Example: "Turn off the lights." (Imperative)

Expresses Strong Emotion: Indicates exclamatory sentences.
Example: "What a beautiful day!" (Exclamatory)

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English Grammar- Identifying Sentence Types Quiz

Fun Activities to Practice Sentence Types

Exercise 1: Identify the Sentence Type
Identify whether the sentence is Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, or Exclamatory.

1. The sun rises in the east.
   Answer: Declarative
2. Can you help me with my homework?
   Answer: Interrogative
3. Please close the window.
   Answer: Imperative
4. What a beautiful sunset!
   Answer: Exclamatory
5. I enjoy reading mystery novels.
   Answer: Declarative

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Change the sentences into the type specified in parentheses.

1. She loves chocolate. (Interrogative)
   Answer: Does she love chocolate?
2. What time is the meeting? (Declarative)
   Answer: The meeting is at 3 PM.
3. It's such an exciting day! (Imperative)
   Answer: Make this day exciting!
4. Bring me the book. (Exclamatory)
   Answer: Oh no, I forgot to bring the book!
5. Are you coming to the party? (Declarative)
   Answer: I am coming to the party.

Exercise 3: Match the Sentence to Its Type

Sentences:

1. Wow, that was amazing!
2. Do you know where the library is?
3. The cat is sleeping on the couch.
4. Open the door, please.
5. I can't believe you finished so quickly!

Answer:

• Declarative: 3
• Interrogative: 2
• Imperative: 4
• Exclamatory: 1, 5

Exercise 4: Create Your Own Sentences

Sample Answers:

1. Declarative: The dog is barking outside.
2. Interrogative: Where did you find that book?
3. Imperative: Please clean your room.
4. Exclamatory: What an incredible performance!

Exercise 5: Correct the Punctuation

1. What is your favorite color
   Answer: What is your favorite color? (Interrogative)
2. Stop shouting right now
   Answer: Stop shouting right now! (Imperative)
3. The flowers are blooming beautifully
   Answer: The flowers are blooming beautifully. (Declarative)
4. Wow that's a huge cake
   Answer: Wow, that's a huge cake! (Exclamatory)
5. Did you finish your project
   Answer: Did you finish your project? (Interrogative)

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Grammar Quiz On Types of Sentence!