A group of words that gives a complete meaning is called a sentence. There are various types of sentences depending upon their structure and function. Based on their function, a sentence has the following four kinds:

• Declarative or Assertive Sentence
• Interrogative Sentence
• Imperative Sentence
• Exclamatory Sentence

A sentence that declares or asserts a statement is called a declarative sentence. It has a plain and straightforward statement. It simply announces an idea without expressing a question or emotion. A declarative sentence always ends with a full stop or period (.)

Examples.

• He writes a letter.
• She bought a camera.
• He is eating an apple.
• They are playing football.
• He is going to college.
• I met my friend in the library.
• He is studying a book.
• She is watching a movie.

A sentence that asks a question is called an interrogative sentence. Since it asks about something, it is also called a question sentence. It always ends with a question mark (?).

Examples.

• How are you?
• Where are you going?
• What is your hobby?
• When will he come?
• Will you help me?
• Are you feeling well?
• Have you passed the exam?
• Do you like coffee?

Question sentences are of two types:

1. Those questions which can be answered with YES/NO (e.g., Do you like coffee? Will you help me?).
2. Those questions which cannot be answered only with YES/NO but require an answer in a few words or a sentence (e.g., Where are you going? Why are you crying?).

The questions that cannot be answered simply with yes/no start with words such as why, what, when, where, how, etc. The questions that can be answered with yes/no start with auxiliary verbs such as is, are, was, has, had, will, etc.

A sentence that expresses a request, advice, or order is called an imperative sentence. An imperative sentence mostly ends with a period (.). However, in rare cases, it may also end with an exclamation mark (!) if the stated request, advice, or order carries an expression of some emotion.

Examples:

• Please help me.                        (request)
• Please give me some food.      (request)
• Please do not make a noise.    (request)
• Do not waste your time.            (advice)
• Respect your elders.                 (advice)
• Always speak the truth.             (advice)
• Do not smoke.                           (advice)
• Get out of the room.                  (order)
• Turn off the light.                       (order)
• Open the door.                          (order)
• Clean the room.                        (order)

A sentence that expresses a strong emotion or feeling is called an exclamatory sentence. It can express emotions such as joy, sorrow, surprise, anger, excitement, frustration, or appreciation. The exclamatory sentence may also include words expressing emotion such as Hurrah, Hurray, Wow, Oh, Ouch, Alas, etc. The exclamatory sentence ends with an exclamation mark (!).

Examples:

• Hurrah! We won the game!                        (emotion of joy)
• Hurrah! I passed the exam!                        (emotion of joy)
• Hurrah! I have been selected for the job.   (emotion of joy)
• Alas! I failed the exam!                               (emotion of sorrow)
• Oh! I lost my purse!                                     (emotion of sorrow)
• Alas! My brother died in a car accident.      (emotion of sorrow)
• Wow! What a beautiful flower!                    (emotion of surprise)
• Wow! What a nice car!                                (emotion of surprise)
• How nicely they are dancing!                      (emotion of surprise)
• How intelligent you are!                               (emotion of surprise)
• It’s fantastic!                                                 (emotion of excitement)