Types of Sentences

A sentence is a set of words that makes complete sense. A sentence always gives a
complete idea.
Every sentence has two parts:
1. a subject
(who or what the sentence is about)
2. a predicate
(the part which tells something about the subject)

For example:
She (subject) speaks (predicate).

A subject contains a noun or a pronoun and words describing the noun or pronoun. In

the above sentence, the pronoun "she" is itself the subject.

A predicate always contains a verb and all the words related to that verb except the
subject. In the above sentence, the predicate itself is a verb.

For example:
John and Cody (subject) play (verb) basketball whenever they get time (predicate).
In the given sentence, John and Cody are the subjects. Play basketball whenever
they get time is the predicate, andplay is the verb.
Look at these sentences:
1. What time is it?
2. It is almost noon.
3. Look at the clock.
4. Wow, it's very late!

We see that:

Sentence #1 is question.

Sentence #2 is a statement.

Sentence #3 is a command.

Sentence #4 is an exclamation.

We use the four basic types of sentences in our writing to convey different tones.
1. Declarative sentences form a statement:

Today is Saturday.

We should go skiing.

Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentences.

A declarative sentence ends in a period (.).

2. Interrogative sentences form a question:

Where is the library?

Have you seen my dog?

An interrogative sentence ends in a question mark (?).

3. Imperative sentences make a command or a polite request:

 Please turn off the radio.

(polite request)
Get out!
(command)

An imperative sentence ends in an exclamation point (!) or a period (.).

If the command is forceful, use an exclamation point. If the command is polite or it is

a request, use a period.

Notice that these sentences don't seem to have a subject. Actually, they have what we
call an understood subject, and it is you. The reader or listener understands that the
subject of each sentence is you.
4. Exclamatory sentences show powerful feelings:

Get out of here!

I can't believe how cold it is outside!

An exclamatory sentence ends in an exclamation point (!).

Notice that an exclamatory sentence can also have an understood subject (you). This
is demonstrated in the first example, "Get out of here!"

Summary

A sentence is a set of words that makes complete sense, and consists of a subject and a
predicate.
We use declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences in our writing.
Below given is a table that explains different types of sentences.

Type of Sentence

Use

Punctuation Mark

Examples
The store opens at 9:00
AM.

Declarative

Forms a statement

(.)

I think I will wear a

dress today.
There were many
people at the beach.
I have never been on an
airplane before.

Interrogative

Asks a question

(?)

Where is your
textbook?
What is your phone
number?

Do you know where the

library is?
Could there be two

answers to that question?

Brush your teeth!
Imperative

Gives a command or
makes a polite request

Pass the ketchup.

(.) or (!)

Get out of my way!

Turn in your
homework, please.
Be careful!

Exclamatory

Shows powerful
feelings

Get out of here!

(!)

I am so excited!
I can't believe I got an
A on this!