Types of Sentences
Learning Objectives
- Students will understand what a sentence is.
- Students will learn the four types of sentences: statements, questions, exclamations, and commands.
- Students will identify the correct punctuation mark for each type of sentence.
- Students will classify sentences by their type.
- Students will write their own examples of each sentence type.
- Students will understand the difference between declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative sentences.
Introduction
Every day we say many things. Sometimes we tell something: "The sky is blue." Sometimes we ask something: "What is your name?" Sometimes we feel excited: "What a beautiful day!" And sometimes we give an order: "Close the door." Each of these is a different type of sentence. Let us learn about the four types of sentences!
What Is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense. Every sentence:
- Starts with a capital letter.
- Ends with a punctuation mark (. ? !).
- Has a complete thought.
✅ Ravi goes to school. (complete thought)
❌ goes to school (Who goes? — incomplete)
✅ Where is my bag? (complete thought)
❌ my bag where (jumbled — not a sentence)
The Four Types of Sentences
| Type | Also Called | What It Does | Ends With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement | Declarative | Tells us something | Full stop (.) |
| Question | Interrogative | Asks something | Question mark (?) |
| Exclamation | Exclamatory | Shows strong feelings | Exclamation mark (!) |
| Command | Imperative | Gives an order or request | Full stop (.) or (!) |
1. Statements (Declarative Sentences)
A statement tells us something. It gives information or states a fact. It always ends with a full stop (.).
India is a large country.
Ravi likes to play cricket.
The Taj Mahal is in Agra.
We have five fingers on each hand.
Diwali is the festival of lights.
2. Questions (Interrogative Sentences)
A question asks something. It wants an answer. It always ends with a question mark (?).
Questions often start with: What, Where, When, Who, Why, How, Is, Are, Do, Did, Can, Will.
What is your name?
Where does Meena live?
When is your birthday?
How many states are there in India?
Did you eat your lunch?
3. Exclamations (Exclamatory Sentences)
An exclamation shows strong feelings like surprise, joy, fear, or excitement. It ends with an exclamation mark (!).
Exclamations often start with: What, How, Hurray, Alas, Oh, Wow.
What a beautiful flower!
How clever you are!
Hurray, we won the match!
Wow, this cake is delicious!
Alas, the bird has died!
4. Commands (Imperative Sentences)
A command gives an order, instruction, or request. It tells someone to do something. It usually ends with a full stop (.) but can end with an exclamation mark (!) if it is urgent.
Commands often start with a verb (doing word). The subject "you" is understood but not written.
Close the door.
Please sit down.
Open your books to page 10.
Do your homework now.
Stop making noise!
How to Identify the Type
| Ask Yourself | If Yes, It Is a... |
|---|---|
| Does it tell us something or give information? | Statement (Declarative) |
| Does it ask something? | Question (Interrogative) |
| Does it show strong feelings (surprise, joy, fear)? | Exclamation (Exclamatory) |
| Does it give an order, instruction, or request? | Command (Imperative) |
More Examples in Indian Context
| Sentence | Type | Punctuation |
|---|---|---|
| The Ganga is the longest river in India. | Statement | . |
| Have you visited the Red Fort? | Question | ? |
| What a wonderful cricket match! | Exclamation | ! |
| Finish your tiffin before the bell rings. | Command | . |
| Peacock is our national bird. | Statement | . |
| Where is the nearest post office? | Question | ? |
| How beautiful the Taj Mahal looks! | Exclamation | ! |
| Stand in a line quietly. | Command | . |
Image: Four Types of Sentences
Image: Sentence Type → Punctuation Chart
Key Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sentence | A group of words that makes complete sense |
| Statement / Declarative | A sentence that tells us something (ends with .) |
| Question / Interrogative | A sentence that asks something (ends with ?) |
| Exclamation / Exclamatory | A sentence that shows strong feelings (ends with !) |
| Command / Imperative | A sentence that gives an order or request (ends with . or !) |
| Punctuation | Marks used at the end of sentences (. ? !) |
- There are four types of sentences: Statement, Question, Exclamation, Command.
- A statement tells something and ends with a full stop (.).
- A question asks something and ends with a question mark (?).
- An exclamation shows strong feelings and ends with an exclamation mark (!).
- A command gives an order and ends with a full stop (.) or exclamation mark (!).
- Every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark.
- Commands often start with a verb: Open, Close, Sit, Stand, Write.
Finished learning? Now test what you know!