THE SENTENCE

MEANING

A group of words that make complete sense is known as a sentence. A sentence is structured in a way in which the opposite person understands the meaning of it without facing any difficulty. This is the reason why sentences have types. You must have heard it in the tone or must have seen it.

Forming sentences in a way that is meaningful and sensible is highly essential if you are an English learner and if you are willing to achieve fluency in the language. Just for your knowledge: English is the most spoken language in the world with millions of people conversing in it daily. English has been of utmost importance for Globalisation, businesses, and trade.

DIVISION OF A SENTENCE

A sentence is divided into two parts and that is the subject and predicate. A subject tells about the person or the thing about which something is said or is talked about. It consists of one or several words. On the other hand, a predicate is ‘what’ is said about the person or the thing that is denoted by the subject.

FORMS OF SENTENCES

DECLARATIVE SENTENCE

The first type of English sentence is Declarative sentence. They are nothing but plain statements. It simply tells you something. It gives you a clear message. The statement is not exclamatory nor a question, but it is simply just a statement. Note that declarative sentences end with a full stop and nothing else. The usual order for a declarative sentence is subject+verb. 

For eg:

• Mary likes John.
• I like coffee.
• We watched a movie last night.

Over here, the message is very clear. It simply states that Mary likes John. The sentence ends with a full stop which means that the sentence is fully complete. However, Declarative sentences can be positive or negative. The most common type of sentence is Declarative sentence.

INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE

Interrogative sentences are the second type of English sentence that talks about questions, which means that they ask questions. Hence, interrogative sentences end with a question mark and it always wants an answer. Interrogative sentences are frequently used in spoken and written language. After declarative sentences, Interrogative sentences are the most common types of sentences. The typical form of an interrogative sentence is an auxiliary verb+subject+main verb.

For eg:

• Do you know English Grammar?

• Is it hot outside?
• Do you like it?
• Where shall we eat?
• What’s the time?

The final punctuation in an interrogative sentence will always be a question mark. 

IMPERATIVE SENTENCE

Imperative sentences give commands. Command means they tell us to do so. Imperative sentences end up with a full stop or an exclamation mark. The usual verb order for an imperative sentence is the base verb. You have to note that usually there is no subject in an imperative subject because it is understood that it is you! Imperative sentences can be positive and negative too. Although imperative sentences are used to give commands, they can also be used to give instructions more politely than a direct command. Imperative sentences can be used with words like “please” or “kindly” to add politeness.

For eg:

• Stop!

• Don’t go?

• Don’t stand there

EXCLAMATIVE SENTENCE

Exclamative sentences give out or express strong emotions and surprise. As the name suggests, exclamative sentences always end up with an exclamation mark. The usual word order for an exclamative sentence is – What(+adjective)+noun+subject+verb AND How(+adjective/adverb)+subject+verb.

For eg:

• What an exciting story it was!

• How he walked!

Now that we know that sentences have types too, you get a clear idea as to how to use it, when to use it, and what impact it will create.