What is a Declarative Sentence?
When talking about declarative sentence definition, it is simply about making a statement or conveying an opinion. This is to say, a declarative sentence makes a declaration. This type of sentence terminates with a period. Quite interesting for you to know that declarative sentences can be in either form— positive or negative, and in any tense. When talking about the structure of a declarative sentence in English grammar then it would be like subject + verb. In such a sentence the final punctuation is generally a full stop.
Declarative Sentence Examples
Following are the examples of declarative sentence type:
“I wish to be a professional dancer.” (Makes a statement)
“My brother is a really good football player.” (represents an opinion/viewpoint) A declarative sentence if you remember makes a statement and ends with a period.
I go to St.Marys Convent School.
Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first prime minister of India.
How do we Use a Declarative Sentence?
We incorporate declarative sentences all the time in our speech and writing. They are the most commonly used in all types of sentences. The three sentences in the table below are declarative sentences presented in positive and negative form
Below are the examples of positive and negative declarative sentences:
Functions of Declarative Sentences
It is essential to separate form (structure) from the function (job) of a declarative sentence.
The declarative sentence form is a subject-verb.
The function (job) of a declarative sentence is generally to make a statement. But not necessarily always! Sometimes it can give a command, ask a question, or even express a feeling.
The following sentence is in declarative form (it appears to be a statement, other than for the punctuation) but is actually asking a question (usually done with the interrogative form):
Does Samantha like pizza? (Real interrogative form → Does Samantha like pizza?)
This is more ordinary in spoken (verbal) English than in written English.
Here is another example of a declarative sentence. This time it appears like a statement but is actually sending a command (usually done with the imperative form):
You will now open your books. (Real imperative form → Open your books!)
The next sentence is again in the form of a declarative sentence. This time it appears to be a statement (other than for the punctuation) but is actually making an exclamation (which can also be performed using the exclamative form):
Boston was cold! (Real exclamative form → How cold Boston was!)
Boston was cold.—makes a statement
All the sentences consist of the same form (declarative — subject-verb) but different functions
Types of English Sentences
There are 4 types of English Sentences and you must remember to not confuse them with the 4 types of sentence structure.
The 4 types of English sentences are categorized by their purpose:
declarative sentence (statement)
imperative sentence (command)
interrogative sentence (question)
exclamative sentence (exclamation)
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Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence makes a request and renders a command. It generally ends with a period but can, under certain situations, end with an exclamation point.
Examples of Imperative sentence type:
“Please get up.”
“I need you to get up now!”
Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence is a form that asks a question. This kind of sentence commonly starts with who, what, why, when, where, how, or do, and it ends with a question mark.
Examples of Interrogative sentence type:
“When are you going to meet your friend?”
“Do you know how the climate will be tomorrow?”
Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence is a form that expresses intense emotion or feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, surprise, and ends with an exclamation point.
Examples of Exclamatory sentence type:
“It is too risky to enter that tunnel!”
“I got a B on my progress chart!”
Understanding the different types of sentences and punctuation will allow students to become better writers by allowing them to convey different types of information and emotion in their writing.
FAQs on Types of Declarative Sentence
1. What is the form of a declarative sentence in English grammar?
A standard form or structure of a declarative sentence is designed as follows:
subject + verb
Sarah speaks Spanish
The final punctuation is generally a full-stop that ends with a period (.).
Declarative sentences can be either positive or negative and in any tense.
2. What is the function of a declarative sentence in English grammar?
A common function (task) of a declarative sentence in grammar is to make a statement or put it across a viewpoint. It tells us something or provides information (as opposed to a question that asks us something or requires information).
Following are the examples to look at in order to understand the declarative meaning and function:-
The grass is green.
Alex was working throughout the day.
Very few people have actually seen a UFO.
3. What activities can help children learn about the types of sentences?
There are ample activities you can do with your kid in order to help them learn about the different types of sentences in English or different types of declarative sentences.
To say it all, sit down with your child and read in front of them their favorite books together. Have him/her determine statements, commands, questions, and exclamations. You can also read together from websites, journals, magazines, newspapers, or song lyrics – any medium that is fun and exciting to your child.
This next fun activity is a classic example of how punctuation affects the intent or message of a sentence. Have your kid speak or write an exclamation. Convert it into a statement by replacing the exclamation mark with a period. Discuss with your kid how the alterations in punctuation modification affect the tone and message of the sentence.
Another activity is to communicate with your child using only one kind of sentence. Choose a topic that interests them and motivates them to be creative with their responses. This activity will demonstrate the significance of different types of sentences in speech and writing.
