Lesson 1: The Sentence

When we speak or write we use words. We generally use these words in groups;

For Example:

Honesty is the best policy. .

A group of words like this, which makes complete sense, is called a Sentence.

Kinds of Sentences

Sentences are of four kinds:

(1) A sentence that makes a statement or assertion is called a Declarative or Assertive sentence. The sentence which make statements or assertions. It always ends with a full stop(.)

For example; Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.

(2) A sentence that asks a question is called an Interrogative sentence. Those in which we ask questions. These type of sentences can be easily identified by the question mark (?) at the end of the sentence.

In other words we can generally say that we use interrogative sentence to ask a question in order to get information about something.

For Example: Where do you live?

Types of Interrogative Sentences

1.Wh- interrogatives (Questions are framed with Wh words like who, when ,where, what, why ,whose, whom, how).
2. Alternative interrogatives.
3. Yes/ No interrogatives.
4. Tag questions.

(3) A sentence that expresses a command or an entreaty is called an Imperative sentence. Those which express commands, requests, or entreaties. For example, the sentence “Wash the dinner plates” commands the implied subject to wash the dishes.

For example. Please be quiet. ( Request)

Shut the door (order)

(4) A sentence that expresses strong feeling is called an Exclamatory sentence. Those which express Sudden or strong feelings.

For example: How cold the night is!

You are amazing !

let's summarize

A Sentence is group of words which makes a complete sense. It can be of 4 types :

Sentence Type	Purpose	Example
Declarative Sentence	Make a statement (.)	I am a student.
Interrogative Sentence	Ask a question (?)	Are you a student?
Imperative Sentence	Give a command	Welcome the new student.
Exclamatory Sentence	Form an expression (!)	There are so many students here !