We use sentences every day, but did you know that not all sentences do the same job? Some sentences tell us something, some ask a question, some give an order, and some express a strong feeling. Each type of sentence has its own name and its own punctuation mark at the end. Knowing the four types of sentences will help you become a better reader and writer. Let us explore them one by one.
A declarative sentence makes a statement. It tells us something -- a fact, an idea, or information. It always ends with a full stop (.)
"The Ganga is the longest river in India."
"My father works in a bank."
"Diwali is the festival of lights."
Think about it: Most of the sentences we read in textbooks and newspapers are declarative sentences because they give us information.
An interrogative sentence asks a question. It wants to find out something. It always ends with a question mark (?)
"Where is your school?"
"Have you visited the Taj Mahal?"
"What time does the train leave?"
Interrogative sentences often begin with question words like what, where, when, who, why, how, or with helping verbs like is, are, do, does, can, will.
An imperative sentence gives a command, an order, or makes a request. It tells someone to do something. It usually ends with a full stop (.) but can end with an exclamation mark (!) if the command is strong or urgent.
"Please open your books to page 25." (request)
"Finish your homework before playing." (command)
"Stop running in the corridor!" (strong command)
Think about it: In imperative sentences, the subject "you" is usually hidden. "Open the door" really means "You open the door." The "you" is understood.
An exclamatory sentence expresses a strong feeling such as surprise, joy, anger, or excitement. It always ends with an exclamation mark (!)
"What a beautiful sunset!"
"How brave the soldiers are!"
"I can't believe we won the match!"
Exclamatory sentences often begin with "What" or "How".
| Type | Purpose | Ends With | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declarative | Makes a statement | Full stop (.) | India has 28 states. |
| Interrogative | Asks a question | Question mark (?) | How many states does India have? |
| Imperative | Gives a command or request | Full stop (.) or (!) | Name all the states of India. |
| Exclamatory | Shows strong feeling | Exclamation mark (!) | What a vast country India is! |
Declarative: "The Rajdhani Express goes to Delhi."
Interrogative: "Which platform does the train arrive on?"
Imperative: "Please stand behind the yellow line."
Exclamatory: "What a crowded station this is!"
Declarative: "Our class has forty students."
Interrogative: "May I go to the washroom?"
Imperative: "Submit your notebooks by tomorrow."
Exclamatory: "How well she recited the poem!"
A. Identify the Type of Sentence
Write whether each sentence is Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, or Exclamatory.
B. Add the Correct Punctuation Mark
C. Multiple Choice Questions
D. Write All Four Types
Write one sentence of each type about the topic: "A Visit to a Park"
Read the short paragraph below. Find one example of each sentence type and write it in the correct row of the table.
"The school annual day is next Friday. Are you going to perform on stage? Please practise your dance steps every day. What an exciting event it will be!"
| Type | Sentence from the Paragraph |
|---|---|
| Declarative | |
| Interrogative | |
| Imperative | |
| Exclamatory |