The 4 types of sentences you need to know about

The four types of sentences

The fundamental types of sentences are as simple as it gets: they’re types of sentences you see in everyday writing, speech, and life. Here are the four types of sentences.

Get the most out of your documents with Word

Elevate your writing and collaborate with others - anywhere, anytime

Learn more

Declarative sentence

This is the most common form of sentence, and it serves to make a statement or express an opinion. This type of sentence ends in a period. In terms of expressing oneself, observing an event or happening, or stating a fact, this is the most straightforward option:

• The sky is gray.
• I like turtles.
• She is taking a nap.
• Most flamingos stand on one leg.

Exclamatory sentence

This type of sentence makes an exclamation, which is effective for expressing a passionate or exciting opinion. This type of sentence usually ends in an exclamation mark, reflecting how its emotions are conveyed strongly—whether they be happiness, anger, or disbelief:

• I loved that movie so much!
• My parents were so mad at me!
• I can’t believe how much these shoes cost!
• I hate the mean barista at that coffee shop!

Imperative sentence

An imperative sentence asks or demands something from the speaker to another person or audience. These examples command or request the listener to perform a specific action. Depending on the level of emotion or intensity, an imperative sentence can use either a period or an exclamation mark. These sentences often imply a second-person subject, also known as “you,” but it’s not always explicitly stated.

• Let’s go!
• Ring the doorbell when you arrive.
• Please take me off your mailing list.
• Never come here again.

Interrogative sentence

This type of sentence asks a question, requests information, or clarify something. Therefore, it ends in a question mark. It commonly employs the five Ws and an H, which includes “who,” “why,” “what,” “when,” “where,” or “how.” The words “do” and “can” (or “may”) is also commonly used in asking a question:

• Do you come here often?
• When is the next train arriving?
• Can you point me to the nearest library?
• May I ask you a very stupid question?

Expanding on the four different types of sentences

Some longer sentences can be combinations of these four, based on how they are separated by commas, dashes, or semicolons. Here, noun clauses also come into play in forming the complexity of a sentence.

Use declarative sentences for stating facts, interrogative sentences for asking questions, exclamatory sentences for expressing emotions, and imperative sentences for giving commands. For more tips on the fundamentals of writing and grammar, check out the writing essentials for beginners or how AI can help you improve your grammar.