Skip to main content

Understanding The Four Different Types of Sentences And How To Use Them Effectively.

 



A sentence is a set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a
subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or
command, and consisting of a main clause and sometimes one or more
subordinate clauses.

A sentence can convey a statement, a question, an exclamation, or a command. 

There are four types of English sentences, classified by their purpose:

 formfunctionexample sentence (clause)final punctuation
1declarativestatement: It tells us somethingJohn likes Mary..
2interrogativequestion: It asks us somethingDoes Mary like John??
3imperativecommand: It tells us to do somethingStop!
Close the door.		! or .
4exclamativeexclamation: It expresses surpriseWhat a funny story he told us!!
(form = structure / function = job)

1. Declarative Sentence (statement)

Declarative sentences make a statement. They tell us something. They give us
information, and they normally end with a full stop/period.

The usual word order for the declarative sentence is:

  • subject + verb...

Declarative sentences can be positive or negative. Look at these examples:

positivenegative
I like coffee.I do not like coffee.
We watched TV last night.We did not watch TV last night.

Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentence.

2. Interrogative Sentence (question)

Interrogative sentences ask a question. They ask us something. They want 
information and they always end with a question mark.

The usual word order for the interrogative sentence is:

  • (wh-word +) auxiliary + subject + verb...

Interrogative sentences can be positive or negative. Look at these examples:

positivenegative
Do you like coffee?Don't you like coffee?
Why did you go?Why didn't you go?

3. Imperative Sentence (command)

Imperative sentences give a command. They tell us to do something, and
they end with a full-stop/period (.) or exclamation mark/point (!).

The usual word order for the imperative sentence is:

Note that there is usually no subject—because the subject is understood,
it is YOU.

Imperative sentences can be positive or negative. Look at these examples:

positivenegative
Stop!Do not stop!
Give her coffee.Don't give her coffee.

4. Exclamative Sentence (exclamation)

Exclamative sentences express strong emotion/surprise—an exclamation—
and they always end with an exclamation mark/point (!).

The usual word order for the exclamative sentence is:

  • What (+ adjective) + noun + subject + verb
  • How (+ adjective/adverb) + subject + verb

Look at these examples:

  • What a liar he is!
  • What an exciting movie it was!
  • How he lied!
  • How exciting the movie was!
I hope that you enjoyed this article and that it will help you with you teaching/studying.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

  Due to the complexities of English, nobody, native or second language learner can honestly brag about having a proficient level of the language without a solid knowledge of Idioms .  Every day, in almost every conversation, native speakers will use idioms more than someone who is new to the language, simply because they are more familiar with them and know the context in which they should be used. Therefore, this means that when you, the second language learner uses an idiom in the correct context, that you have a more proficient level of English and therefore you sound more like a native speaker. Below is a list of 50 of the most important general idioms necessary for traveling the B2 to C2 language learning journey . With these idioms, you will be able to listen and speak more like a native speaker, therefore, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. Study tips for how to learn idioms. The 60 most important phrasal verbs for achieving a B2 to C2 level of Englis...
9 comments
Read more

11 Strategies For Achieving and Maintaining a B2 to C2 Level of English

  As an Advanced Level English Teacher , one of the most common questions that I am asked by students is how to maintain, and/or improve their level of proficiency in the language. Today, more than at any other period in history, a single language has solidified itself into a position of undeniable relevance in our ever-changing globalized world. Be it for matters relating to government, commerce, education, or for the resolution of global issues , English has taken the lead in almost every facet of life and international affairs. This phenomenon, which has developed progressively over many years, has been responsible for a transformation in the way that English as a second language is now perceived in most parts of the world. Governments have found the necessity to embrace English on all levels, schools have attached new importance to its teaching, new institutes continue to spring up on almost a daily basis and universities are now making it a mandatory part of a student's gradu...
7 comments
Read more

50 Engaging Games and Activities for Teaching English to Primary School Students.

  Teaching English to primary school students can be a fun and rewarding experience, but keeping young learners engaged requires creativity and variety. Games and activities make learning enjoyable while reinforcing essential language skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Below is a comprehensive list of 50 games and activities that will make your English lessons exciting and effective. 1. Vocabulary and Spelling Games 1.1. Word Relay Divide students into teams. Write a category (e.g., animals) on the board. One student from each team runs to the board and writes a word in that category. The next student continues. The team with the most words wins. 1.2. Alphabet Race Give each student or team a blank sheet with A to Z written down the side. They must write a word for each letter within a time limit. 1.3. Mystery Word Box Place objects in a box. Students pull out an object and say or spell its name. 1.4. Hangman Classic game where students gu...
Post a Comment
Read more