The four types of sentences and their purpose

types of sentences

1. The Four Types of Sentences and Their Purpose

2. Writing tips often include suggestions to write better sentences, combine short sentences, or construct good sentences.  That’s all well and good but what about the sentences themselves?  Do we need to know the basic function of a sentence?  Knowing the basics could actually improve your writing by giving you a concrete foundation on which to build.

3. There are four different types of sentences.  Each type has a function, but a sentence only has one function.  A sentence is used to make a statement, express feeling, give a command or ask a question.  That’s all a sentence can do and that’s the only functions it can have.

4. A   declarative sentence   makes a statement or expresses opinion.  It declares something and ends with a period . Example : I’m going to town.  (I’ve declared something I’m going to do.) I don’t like the new mayor.  (I’ve expressed opinion.)

5. An   imperative sentence   has a little more responsibility; it can make a request, give a command or direction and can end with a period or an exclamation point . Example : Will you please open the door. (This is considered making a request or giving direction and not a question so it doesn’t need a question mark.)

6. An   interrogative sentence  is like an interrogation; it asks questions and ends with a question mark- or jail if your interrogation doesn’t go well.  I’m kidding, of course, but you get the idea about a sentence being interrogative . Example : Did you use a question mark? Did you write proper sentences?

7. And finally we come to the  exclamatory sentence which is full of emotion and almost shouts from the rooftop . Example : “I am an emotional, strong sentence!” Yes, it ends with an exclamation point and contrary to popular belief, using one exclamation point is plenty.

8. That would be all, thank you 