The Four Types of Sentences

There are exactly four types of sentences in the English language. Each sentence is assigned a type based on its purpose. A sentence either makes a statement, gives an order/makes a request, asks a question, or expresses a strong emotion.

This article introduces the four types of sentences and shows you how to use them in your writing.

1. Declarative Sentence

A declarative sentence makes a statement. Most declarative sentences end with a period (or full stop). However, some declarative sentences end with an exclamation mark.

Example: Janet buys all her books through Amazon’s Kindle store.

Example: She spends most of her days reading.

You can use declarative sentences to convey information, as they are often used to state facts, make arguments, or provide explanations.

2. Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence either gives a command or makes a request. Like the declarative sentence, the imperative sentence usually ends with a period and occasionally ends with an exclamation mark. The major distinction between imperative and declarative sentences is their purpose.

Command Example: James, go down to the post office and mail this letter to your sister.

Request Example: Please help us to settle this dispute amicably.

Imperative sentences are ideal for manuals and recipes, as they are the popular choice for giving directions or instructions.

3. Interrogative Sentence

An interrogative sentence asks a question. These sentences generally end with a question mark, but they can also end with an exclamation mark if they express strong emotions.

Example: How was your date?

Example: Did you enjoy the movie?

These sentences are often used when conducting interviews, or in creative writing to pose thought-provoking questions to the reader.

Example: You might be wondering, how did I end up in this predicament?

4. Exclamatory Sentence

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion. Therefore, you should use them economically to avoid reducing their effectiveness. A declarative sentence always ends with an exclamation mark. However, sentences are not exclusively exclamatory.

Some exclamatory sentences are also declarative.

Example: I can’t believe she took your car!

Some are also imperative.

Example: Get back into the house now!

While others are also interrogative.

Example: Why did you do that?!

When an exclamatory sentence is also declarative or imperative, you can simply replace the respective punctuation marks with an exclamation mark. However, when an exclamatory sentence is also interrogative, you are allowed to use the question and exclamation marks in conjunction. Exclamatory sentences often convey emphasis, urgency, or surprise.