ELPS

Four common types of sentences in English are: declarative sentences (statements), used to make a statement, interrogative sentences (questions), used to ask a question, imperative sentences (commands / orders), used to to request for something or give an order, and exclamatory sentences (exclamations), used to make an exclamation.

Let's take a closer look at the four sentence types.

Making a statement

Making a statement in English involves providing information, expressing an idea, or sharing a fact. Statements are typically declarative sentences that make a claim or describe something without asking for a response or giving a command.

Examples:

The box is very heavy.

It took me 2 hours to come back home.

Asking a question

Asking a question in English involves requesting information, clarification, or an answer from someone. Questions typically begin with a question word (such as who, what, when, where, why, how) or involve inversion, where the subject and auxiliary verb switch places.

Examples:

Is this box very heavy?

How did it take you to come back home?

Making an order or asking for something

Making an order in English involves giving a direct command or instruction to someone, often using the imperative form of the verb. It tells someone to do something without asking for their opinion or permission.

Examples:

Don't touch the box!

Bring another box!

Hurry up!

Making an exclamation

Making an exclamation involves expressing strong emotions or reactions, such as surprise, excitement, anger, joy, or urgency, in a sentence. Exclamations often use an exclamation mark (!) to emphasize the intensity of the feeling.

Examples:

What a heavy box!

What a long home journey that was!