5 Types of Sentences

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.

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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Types of Sentences