The Sentence
A group of words that make complete sense is called a sentence.
Examples:
I. Little Jack Horner sat in a corner. (Statement)
II. My arms are aching. (Statement)
III. Mudasir gave Leela some flowers. (Statement)
IV. There appeared no flower on the plant. (Negative Statement)
V. They do not like to waste their time in idle gossip. (Negative Statement)
VI. What all can you make out of clay? (Question)
VII. Can I look at your photo? (Question)
VIII. Keep quiet. (Order)
IX. Please grant me five days’ leave. (Request)
X. What a picture! (Exclamation)
XI. What a girl! (Exclamation)
XII. What a lovely shot that was! (Exclamation)
XIII. May you prosper! (Wish)
XIV. May God bless you! (Wish)
Just as bricks are made in different shapes according to the work they have to do, sentences can take different forms based on the kind of thought they convey. These forms are classified as:
- Assertive Sentence
- Interrogative Sentence
- Imperative Sentence
- Optative Sentence
- Exclamatory Sentence
1. Assertive Sentence
An assertive sentence, also called a declarative sentence, states something. It begins with a capital letter and ends with a full stop (.).
Examples:
- India is a vast country.
- He does not hide the truth from his friends.
Note: An assertive sentence can be affirmative or negative.
Affirmative Sentence: An assertive sentence that gives a positive statement is called an affirmative sentence.
Examples:
- I like the look of that coat.
- I will be at work tomorrow.
- Fortunately, their house is nearby.
- Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
- We visited Gulmarg last year.
Negative Sentence: An assertive sentence that gives a negative statement is called a negative sentence.
Examples:
- He had never seen such a serene sight before.
- Ahmad didn’t write a letter to his child.
- Don’t make mountains out of molehills.
- Don’t spit on the floor.
- I never toil so.
2. Interrogative Sentence
A sentence that asks a question is called an interrogative sentence.
Examples:
I. What is Pity doing?
II. Where do people meet?
III. Why are they fighting?
IV. Did they repair your phone?
V. Has Asif got a camera?
VI. Is the photographer working now?
Types of Interrogative Sentences:
- Beginning with Helping Verbs
- Did you get the tickets?
- Are we going to be late?
- Can Afzal drive?
- Does Afzal play golf?
Note: These are yes/no questions and can be answered simply with “yes” or “no.”
- Beginning with Wh-Words
- What can you do for the people?
- Where have you put the map?
- How does the radio work?
Note: Wh-questions are used to ask for information.
3. Imperative Sentence
A sentence that expresses a request, an order, or advice is called an imperative sentence.
Note: In imperative sentences, the subject “you” is understood and not written.
Examples:
- Mind your own business.
- Think before you speak.
- Do not cut jokes.
- Please wait a bit.
- Kindly look into the matter.
4. Optative Sentence
A sentence that expresses a wish or desire is called an optative sentence.
Examples:
- May you become a pilot!
- May you grow wiser!
- I wish I were a queen!
Note: An optative sentence always begins with a capital letter and ends with an exclamation mark (!).
5. Exclamatory Sentence
A sentence that expresses a sudden or strong feeling is called an exclamatory sentence.
Examples:
- What a wonderful place Gulmarg is!
- How gloomy the atmosphere was!
- What a great victory!
- Oh, for a cool breeze!
- Hurrah! I have won!
Note: An exclamatory sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with an exclamation mark (!).
