What are the Different Types of Sentences?
Sentences often have different functions. They can be grouped according to their purpose into five categories:
- Declarative or assertive sentences
- Interrogative sentences
- Exclamatory sentences
- Imperative sentences
- Optative sentences
Declarative or Assertive Sentences
A sentence whose sole function is to state something is known as a declarative or an assertive sentence. In other words, such sentences declare or assert something to the listener or reader. They typically end with a full stop (.).
- There is no such thing as a free lunch.
- Gregory is an introvert.
- Meena will arrive on the 11th of this month.
- Asha had missed the train.
- Harpal Singh is the accountant who works for this company.
- Maurice was arrested for misdemeanour.
Interrogative Sentences
The purpose of an interrogative sentence is simply to interrogate or to ask questions. They end with a question mark (?).
- Is there another way to solve this problem?
- Whom were you talking to yesterday?
- Was this the person whom the witness identified?
- Could there be a possibility for a refund?
- Can we be friends again?
- What is the meaning of life?
Imperative Sentences
Some sentences are spoken to convey a request or a command. Such sentences are known as imperative sentences. These sentences can either end with a full stop or an exclamation mark (!).
It depends on how the sentence is conveyed. Many imperative sentences begin with a verb instead of a noun.
- Please maintain silence. (request)
- Leave the room now! (command)
- Open the windows and let the air come in. (command)
- Please tell me where the library is. (request)
- Pardon me. (request)
- Cut the cloth according to the measurement. (command)
Exclamatory Sentences
Some sentences express emotions such as fear, happiness, rage or surprise. These sentences are called exclamatory sentences and they always end with an exclamation mark.
- I cannot believe I won the lottery!
- You should be ashamed of yourself!
- What a lovely day!
- How unfortunate can his life be!
- Lo and behold! The car has been stolen!
- The ocean is so terrifying at night!
Optative Sentences
Some sentences express a heartfelt wish, prayer or even a curse. Such sentences are called optative sentences. They may end in a full stop or an exclamation mark.
- May the good lord give you the strength to move on.
- Adieu, my dearest friend—may you be happy!
- May the best man win.
- I curse the day you were born!
- I pray that you succeed.
- God help us!