In English, sentences can be classified into four types based on their purpose: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Each type has its own function in communication.
Recognizing the purpose of a sentence helps you read with the correct tone and write with clarity.
A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses an idea. It always ends with a period.
Think of declarative sentences as giving information. They are the most common type of sentence in writing.
An interrogative sentence asks a question. It always ends with a question mark.
Interrogative sentences begin with a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) or a helping verb (is, do, can, will).
An imperative sentence gives a command, makes a request, or offers advice. It usually ends with a period but may end with an exclamation point for strong emotion.
Imperative sentences often leave out the subject “you,” but it is understood. For example, “Close the window” really means “You close the window.”
An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling such as excitement, surprise, or anger. It always ends with an exclamation point.
Use exclamatory sentences carefully in writing. Too many can make your work sound less formal or overly dramatic.
When you write, try using a variety of sentence types. This makes your writing more interesting and shows that you understand how each type is used.
Skilled writers and speakers switch between different sentence types depending on the message and the audience.