English Grammar

Sentence functions

Sentences can be classified according to their functions. There are four sentence functions in English: declarative, exclamatory, interrogative and imperative.

Declarative

Declarative sentences state an idea. They end with a full stop.

Examples are:

• Susie smokes.
• The war is over.
• Three students failed to sit the examination.
• I am not ready yet.

Exclamatory

Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions. They end with an exclamation mark. Examples are:

• What a lovely day it is!
• I can’t believe this!
• What a mess this room is!
• How beautiful it is!

Interrogative

Interrogative sentences ask a question. They end with a question mark.

Examples are:

• Is Susie drinking tea?
• What is Susie drinking?
• Who are you?

Imperative

Imperative sentences give orders or directions. They end with a period or an exclamation mark.

Examples are:

• Wash your hands.
• Do your homework!
• Sit down and listen!

An imperative sentence usually has no expressed subject (though you is understood as its subject).