How to Write the Four Types of English Sentences How to Write English Sentences 3
We know from "How to Write English Sentences 1 and 2" that before you write an English sentence
some decisions have to be made.
1. What is the single or complete thought that you are stating, describing, explaining or asking.
2. Which of six basic English sentence construction formats best suits your sentence.
3. What type of sentence best matches your thought: declarative, imperative,
interrogative or exclamatory.
Lets review the four English sentence types in greater detail.
The four kinds of sentences declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.
1. A declarative sentence makes a statement. A declarative sentence states an idea. A
declarative sentence usually ends in a period.
Example: The hockey finals will be broadcast tomorrow.
2. An imperative sentence asks, requests, orders or commands someone to do something.
Example: Pass the puck to the open man.
3. An interrogative sentence usually asks a question. There are four types, yes or no
interrogatives, wh-interrogatives, alternative interrogatives and tag questions.
How', 'when', 'where' and 'why' are interrogative adverbs used to inquire about manner,
time, place and purpose. 'Who', 'whose', 'whom', 'what' and 'which' are interrogative
pronouns used to inquire about the subject or object of a verb.
English writers use a question mark [ ? ] at the end of a direct question. When brief
questions are more or less follow-up questions to the main question, each of the little
questions can begin with a lowercase letter and end with a question mark. The question
mark may be inserted into parentheses, to show that something is uncertain.
Simple Interrogative Sentence Examples:
How often do you study English?
When do you study English?
Where do you study English?
Why do you study English with a tutor?
Who is the best Business English teacher?
What is the best English grammar book?
Which English school has the best teachers?
4. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling. An exclamation is an emotional utterance
that is spoken. An exclamation can be a word, phrase, or complete English sentence spoken
with great emotion or intensity. An exclamation is usually written as an interjection.
Exclamation points are usually out of place in formal writing. Use an exclamation point
[ ! ] at the end of an emphatic declaration, interjection, or command. Declarative,
imperative, or interrogative sentences can be made into exclamatory sentences by
punctuating them with an exclamation point.
Simple Exclamatory Sentence Examples:
Stop that man!
Go to the end!
Do it now!
If you liked this page of English grammar explanations and samples and would like more -
you can buy the 96 page grammar summary "Blueprint for English" eBook (for 6 dollars)and
get the SentenceMaster practice word cards. Use this grammar eBook to become an English writer.
Special Note for ESL English as a Second Language Teachers
Using the practice word cards in this challenge format is an excellent method of focusing the student's attention
on the 28 to 40 words in use. Teachers can confirm that the students know the various functions of the words
by parts of speech. Any missing information can be an excellent opportunity for teaching vocabulary,
language comprehension and context.
Teachers can use the Sentence Master practice word cards to teach the 1000 most used core English language words and
demonstrate the wide variety of context variations used in written English communication.
After the students have mastered the creation of many sentences using the original six word cards - you can replace
one or more cards, add some cards or start with six new cards. When students need additional complexity and advanced
skills practice there are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, word challenges and the grid quiz.
Using the practice word cards can help ESL English teachers focus attention, stage the learning step by step,
expand vocabulary, teach grammar, context, and comprehension and even have some fun.
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