When contemplating sentence types, you should consider two things: the function and the structure of the sentence. When we consider the function of the sentence, we are primarily concerned with what punctuation ends the sentence. When we consider the structure of the sentence, we are interested with how many clauses are in the sentence. This page will explore both of these concepts to help the reader improve their understanding of sentence types.
Every sentence serves one of four functions. It must either make a statement, issue a command, ask a question, or exclaim and emotion or idea. Because of this we can understand sentence type by analyzing the function that the sentence serves.
Declarative sentences make statements. Most sentences are declarative. Declarative sentences always end with a period.
Examples
I like pizza.
This is easy.
In each of these sentences the speaker makes a declaration; hence, they are declarative sentences.
Imperative sentences issue commands. In most cases, imperative sentences have no visible subject; rather, the subject is implied. Most imperative sentences end with a period, but they may also end with an exclamation point.
Examples
Stay in your seat.
When scanning for structure, we should first find the action or predicate, which is stay in the above sentence. Then, to find the subject, we ask ourselves, “Who should stay?” The answer is that You should stay. While you is never clearly stated in the sentence, it is implied; hence, in imperative sentences, the subject is often the implied you.
Don’t do that.
Again, we can ask ourselves, “Who or what shouldn’t do that?” The answer, of course, is you again, as the subject of an imperative sentence will usually be the implied you.
Interrogative sentences ask questions. Because of this, all interrogative sentences end in a questions mark.
Examples
Do you want to study?
Where are you going?
In each case the speakers request information. Because of this both sentences end in question marks.
Exclamatory sentences express excitement or emotion. Writers express the exclamatory tone when they end their sentences in exclamation points. Every exclamatory sentence should end in an exclamation point. Use exclamatory sentences sparingly as too much excitement may annoy the reader or listener.
Examples
That was awesome!
I’m sick of this!
Notice in each case that the sentence expresses an emotion. Exclamation point signal to readers that the speaker is yelling or exclaiming.
Four Sentence Type Worksheets – Practice identifying the four types of sentences: declarative, imperative, exclamatory, and interrogative.
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Sentence Types Worksheet – Students identify subjects and predicates in each sentence, separate clauses, and whether each sentence is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.
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Creating Compound Sentences – Write twenty compound sentences. A compound sentence is two or more clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
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Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences PowerPoint Lesson – This animated slideshow will help you deliver clear and concise instruction about simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Simple Compound and Complex Sentences PowerPoint Lesson
Creating Complex Sentences – Write ten complex sentences. A complex sentence is two or more clauses joined by a subordinating conjunction.
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Fragments and Run-On Sentences – Each of the sentences is either a fragment or a run-on. Rewrite the sentences so that they are grammatically correct.
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Four Sentence Types Lesson – Teach students about the four types of sentences: interrogative, exclamatory, imperative, and declarative. This file includes a practice assessment after the lesson.
Four Sentence Types Lesson PPT