A word or a group of words having a clear meaning in a given context is called a sentence.
Sentences are of five types according to their functions.

5 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
Types of Sentences #1
Declarative or Assertive Sentence
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 (.).
PATTERN – Sub. + Verb + Obj./Comp.
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
Aman is a good boy. | Aman is not a good boy. | Statement |
Aman Plays Football. | Aman does not play football. | Statement |
Examples
- 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 a misdemeanour.
Types of Sentences #2
Interrogative Sentences
The purpose of an interrogative sentence is simply to interrogate or to ask questions. They end with a question mark (?).
PATTERN 1 – Be/Have + Sub. + Main verb + Obj./Comp.
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
Is Aman going to school? | Is Aman not going to school? | Question |
PATTERN 2 – Helping verb + Sub. + Main verb + Obj./Comp.
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
Does he play football? | Does he not play football? | Question |
Examples
- 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?
Types of Sentences #3
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.
PATTERN – Verb + Obj./Comp. { Please + Verb + Obj./Comp.}
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
Shut the door. | Don’t shut the door. | Order |
Please, go there. | Please don’t go there. | Request |
Examples
- 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)
Types of Sentences #4
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.
PATTERN 1 – Exclamatory word + Sub. + Verb + Obj./Comp.
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
Hurrah! We have won the match. | Alas! We have not won the match. | Emotion |
PATTERN 2 – What + Sub. (Subject Phrase) + Verb {How + Adj. + Sub. + Verb}
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
What a nice bird it is! | —- | Emotion |
How happy I am! | —- | Emotion |
Examples
- 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!
Types of Sentences #5
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.
PATTERN – May + Sub. + Verb + Obj./Comp. {Adv. +Veb + Sub.}
AFFIRMATIVE | NEGATIVE | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
May he be happy. | May he not suffer more. | Wish |
Long live the king. | — | Prayer |
Examples
- 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!
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Also, Read

Figures of Speech

Subject Verb Agreement

Degrees of Comparison
