Types of Sentences
Written by tutor Nevin B.
There are four types of sentences that are used in writing – declarative, exclamatory, imperative and interrogative. Each type is used in a specific situation and each has its own punctuation mark.
Declarative
Declarative sentences make a statement and they are punctuated by a period. Some examples include:
I went to the store yesterday.
The brown dog jumped over the fence.
Ms. Jones wore a red shirt.
Exclamatory
Exclamatory sentences contain a strong emotion and end with an exclamation mark. Some examples include:
I love you so much!
I am excited to watch this movie!
It’s a great day!
Imperative
Imperative sentences make a command or request. They typically end with a period, but sometimes end with an exclamation mark. Some examples include:
Take out the trash.
Please be quiet.
Give me your wallet!
Interrogative
Interrogative sentences ask a question and they end with a question mark. Some examples include:
Where did you go yesterday?
What is the capital of Maine?
Did you finish your homework?
In verbal English, we use the four types of sentences frequently. It is just as important to include different types in your writing. Let’s take a look at an example of a paragraph that only uses declarative sentences.
Last week my family and I went to the amusement park. We had a lot of fun. We went on many rides including the roller coaster and Ferris wheel. I was scared to go on the roller coaster at first but I’m sure glad I went on it. At the end of the day, I was happy but ready to go home.
Now let’s take a look at a similar paragraph that utilizes all four types of sentences.
Last week my family and I went to the amusement park. It was a blast! Have you been on a roller coaster before? It was my first time and I loved it. I was scared at first but I told myself, “Just do it!” and I’m sure glad I did. I had a great day with my family but by the end of the day I was tired and ready to go home. Now tell me about a fun time you’ve experienced!
As you may notice, using different types of sentences makes the paragraph more engaging and entertaining.
Types of Sentences Practice Quiz
Answer the following questions to test your knowledge on types of sentences!
Choose the sentence that has correct punctuation:
Would you like to go swimming.
Would you like to go swimming!
Would you like to go swimming?
None of these are correct.
This is an interrogative sentence, which means it ends with a question mark.
Choose the sentence that has correct punctuation:
Please remove your shoes.
Please remove your shoes?
Please remove your shoes!
None of these are correct.
This is an imperative sentence, because it is a request. Therefore, it should end with a period.
Choose the sentence that has correct punctuation:
The dog already ate dinner?
The dog already ate dinner!
The dog already ate dinner.
None of these are correct.
This is a declarative sentence, because it states a fact. Therefore, it should end with a period.
Choose the sentence that has correct punctuation:
That was so much fun.
That was so much fun!
That was so much fun?
None of these are correct.
This is an exclamatory sentence, because it expresses an enthusiastically strong emotion. Therefore, it should end with an exclamation point.