English Grammar

Transformation of sentences

Changing an exclamatory sentence into an assertive sentence

The transformation of a sentence means changing its form without altering its sense.

• What a wonderful opportunity! (exclamatory)
• It is a wonderful opportunity. (assertive)
• O that I were young again! (exclamatory)
• I wish I were young again. (assertive)
• How kind of you to help him like that! (exclamatory)
• It is very kind of you to help him like that. (assertive)
• How noble he is! (exclamatory)
• He is truly noble. (assertive)
• What a great pleasure it is! (exclamatory)
• This is indeed a great pleasure. (assertive)

Changing an interrogative sentence into an assertive sentence

• Is not wisdom better than riches? (interrogative)
• Wisdom is better than riches. (assertive)
• Why worry about what people say? (interrogative)
• It is foolish to worry about what people say. (assertive)
• Did I ever ask you to do it? (interrogative)
• I never asked you to do it. (assertive)
• Is there any sense in doing that? (interrogative)
• There is no sense in doing that. (assertive)
• What does it matter whether we win or lose? (interrogative)
• It matters little whether we win or lose. (assertive)

Changing an imperative sentence into an interrogative sentence

• Stop talking. (imperative)
• Will you stop talking? (interrogative)
• Shut the door. (imperative)
• Will you shut the door? (interrogative)
• Please, get me a glass of water. (imperative)
• Will you, please, get me a glass of water? (interrogative)
• Get out of here. (imperative)
• Will you get out of here or not? (interrogative)

The interrogative is a milder or more polite form of the imperative. However, the addition of or not (see the last example) adds a touch of threat to the command.

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