Sentences : Assertive, Interrogative, Imperative, Optative, Exclamatory Sentence – Grammar

What is a Sentence ? Examples

When two or more words sit side by side to give us a complete idea, it is called a sentence. A sentence is a combination of words that gives us a complete and logical idea about someone or something. A sentence must have a proper order of words and a clear meaning.

Some more definitions of SENTENCE :

1. A group of words that makes a complete sense is called a sentence. – Wren & Martin
2. A combination of words that makes a complete sense is called a sentence. – J. C. Nesfield
3. A word or a group of words having a clear meaning in a given context is called a sentence. – P. C. Das

Some examples of sentences :
1. I play football.
2. The sun rises in the east.

Here, “I play football.” is a sentence. It is formed by combining three words. In this sentence, ‘I’, ‘play’, and ‘football’ are words.

How many types of sentences are there based on function ?

Sentences can be classified into five types based on their function :

1. Assertive Sentence
2. Interrogative Sentence
3. Imperative Sentence
4. Optative Sentence
5. Exclamatory Sentence

How many types of sentences are there based on structure ?

There are three different kinds of sentences in English grammar based on structure and they are as follows :

1. Simple Sentence
2. Complex Sentence
3. Compound Sentence

Buy My E-book : 21 Days English Vocabulary Course to speak English fluently

What is an Assertive sentence ? Examples

An assertive sentence is a type of sentence that narrates an event, or describe something.

Some functions of Assertive Sentences:

1. Describing
2. Narrating an event
3. Statement
4. Answering
5. Giving information
6. Reporting
7. Defining
8. Giving opinion
9. Classifying
10. Exemplifying
11. Stating cause
12. Describing a process.
13. Appealing
14. Giving permission
15. Expressing possibility
16. Expressing ability
17. Apologising
18. Confessing
19. Contradicting
20. Comparing
21. Guessing
22. Expressing obligation
23. Asserting a fact
24. Denying a fact, etc.
    
    Some examples of Assertive sentences :

1. I play football.
2. The sun rises in the east.
3. I don’t like his attitude.
4. The capital of India is New Delhi.

There are two types of assertive sentences :
1. Affirmative
2. Negative
For example,
Affirmative Sentence : I play football.
Negative Sentence : I do not play football.

What is an Interrogative sentence? Examples

An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that asks any question.

Some functions of Interrogative Sentence :

1. Asking a question
2. Enquiring
3. Asking information
4. Asking reason
5. Interrogating
6. Enquiring
7. Asking for opinion
8. Asking for permission
9. Requesting
10. Challenging
11. Expressing a doubt
12. Seeking confirmation of a doubt.

Some examples of Interrogative sentences:

1. What is your name ?
2. Where does he live ?
3. How are you ?
4. Who are you ?
5. Will you go to school ?
6. When did she come here ?
7. Whom do you want to meet ?

There are two types of Interrogative sentences :
1. Affirmative
2. Negative
For example,
Affirmative Sentence : Does he like sweets ?
Negative Sentence : Isn’t it cold outside ?

What is an Imperative sentence ? Examples

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that is used to give an order, advice, request, etc.

Some functions of Imperative sentences:

1. Ordering
2. Commanding
3. Advising
4. Requesting
5. Demanding
6. Instructing
7. Warning
8. Threatening
9. Suggesting
10. Proposing
11. Permitting
12. Prohibiting
13. Reminding

Some examples of Imperative sentences :

1. Open the door.
2. Shut the door.
3. Close the window.
4. Please give me a glass of water.
5. Don’t go outside.
6. Don’t shout.
7. Do this work.

There are two types of Imperative sentences:
1. Affirmative
2. Negative
For example,
Affirmative Sentence : Open the door.
Negative Sentence : Don’t run in the sun.

What is an Optative sentence ? Examples

An optative sentence is a type of sentence that is used for praying, wishing, etc.

Some functions of Optative Sentence :

1. Praying
2. Wishing
3. Desiring
4. Blessing

Some examples of Optative sentences :

1. May God bless you.
2. May God save him.
3. Wish you all the best.

What is an Exclamatory sentence ? Examples

An exclamatory sentence is a type of sentence that expresses joy, sorrow, wonder, excitement, etc.

Some functions of Exclamatory Sentence :

1. Expressing joy
2. Expressing sorrow
3. Expressing wonder
4. Expressing pity
5. Expressing repentance
6. Expressing disgust
7. Encouraging
8. Greeting
9. Farewell

Some examples of Exclamatory sentences:

1. Hurrah ! We have won the match.
2. Alas ! He is dead.
3. How beautiful the scene is !
4. What a foul weather !
5. Alack ! Had we won the match !

How to identify a sentence – Best Technique

How to Identify an Assertive Sentence

• Generally, an assertive sentence begins with a subject.

“I play football.” is an assertive sentence. This sentence begins with the subject ‘I’.

How to identify an Imperative Sentence

• Generally, an Imperative sentence begins with a verb, please, let.

• “Open the door.” – This imperative sentence begins with the verb “Open“.
• “Please give me a glass of water.” – This imperative sentence begins with “Please“.
• “Let me go.” – This imperative sentence begins with “Let“.

How to identify an Interrogative Sentence

• An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark (?)

“What’s your name ?” is an interrogative sentence that ends with a question mark (?)

How to identify an Optative Sentence

Generally, an optative sentence begins with “May”, “Wish” etc.

• “May God bless you.” is an optative sentence that begins with “May”.
• “Wish you a happy journey.” is an optative sentence that begins with “Wish”.

How to identify an Exclamatory Sentence

There will be an exclamation mark (!) in an Exclamatory sentence. It may be in the middle of the sentence or at the end of the sentence.

• “Hurrah! We have won the match.” is an exclamatory sentence that has an exclamation mark (!).
• “How beautiful the scene is !” is an exclamatory sentence that has an exclamation mark (!).