The Four Kinds of Sentences
A
declarative sentence makes a
statement and ends with a
period (.).
- Penny is ready for school.
This sentence makes a statement about Penny. To declare something means to announce, state or proclaim it. A declarative sentence does just that.
A
interrogative sentence asks a
question and ends with a
question mark (?).
- Doesn't Penny look smashing in her new frock?
This sentence is asking you a question about Penny's cute outfit. When you think of interrogive, think of those detective shows. When suspects are interrogated, they are questioned. To interrogate means to question.
An
exclammatory sentence shows excitement or storng feelings and ends with an
exclamation point (!).
This sentence is expressing excitement about Penny. To exclaim means to speak out strongly with emotion. In this sentence, I am speaking strongly how I feel about Penny. She rocks!
An
imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request and ends with a period (.) or exclamation point(!).
- Give me a minute.
- Seriously, wait on me!
In these sentences, I am requesting Penny to wait on me. Something that is imperative is absolutely necessary or important. When you are requesting something from someone, it is usually something that is needed. Always remember, the subject of an
imperative sentence is always
you. If it is not written in the sentence, it is understood. Hence the name,
understood you.
- (You) Give me a minute.
- Seriously, (you) wait on me!
Since I am speaking to Penny, she is the
you in the sentences.
