Sentence Types By Ellyn Ball

Can you name the four types of sentences? Sentence Types Can you name the four types of sentences?

Effective Sentences A sentence is a basic unit of communication. You use sentences everyday –to ask questions, give directions, make statements , express emotion, or share information. Some sentences may be short and direct, and others may be long and complicated. In either case, you will need to follow certain rules and suggestions to make sure your sentences are correct, interesting, and meaningful. Putting words together in effective sentences is the first step in making sure that you are communicating clearly.

Sentence Types Sentences can be classified according to what they do. Some sentences present facts or information in a direct way; others pose questions to the reader or listener; still others present orders or direction and lastly some sentences express strong emotions.

Declarative Sentence A declarative sentence states, or declares, an idea and ends with a period. Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentence used. Example: Golf is a sport that can be played through-out a lifetime.

Interrogative Sentences Interrogative means “asking.” An interrogative sentence is a question. What end mark do you think you would you use after an interrogative sentence? Example: Who is the fastest runner on the school track team?

Quick Check What is a declarative sentence? A declarative sentence states, or declares, an idea and ends with a period. What is an interrogative sentence? An interrogative sentence is a question.

Imperative Sentences An imperative sentence gives an order or a direction and ends with either a period or an exclamation point. Most imperative sentences start with a verb. In this type of imperative sentence, the subject is understood to be you. Example: Follow my instructions carefully. Run as hard as you can! Notice the punctuation a the end of these examples. In the first sentence the period suggest that a mild command is being given in an ordinary voice. The exclamation mark at the end of the last sentence suggest a strong command, one given in a loud voice.

Exclamatory Sentences An exclamatory sentence conveys strong emotions and ends with an exclamation mark. To exclaim means to “shout out.” Exclamatory sentneces are used to “shout out” emotions such as happiness, fear, delight, or anger. Example: She’s going to crash into that hurdle!

Quick Check What is an imperative sentence? An imperative sentence gives an order or a direction and ends with either a period or an exclamation point. What is an exclamatory sentence? An exclamatory sentence conveys strong emotions and ends with an exclamation mark.

Now We Do Read each sentence carefully and identify it as declarative, imperative, interrogative or exclamatory. In addition put the correct punctuation.

Now We Do Continued 1. Horseshoes is an easy game to play 2. The iron stakes are set 40 feet apart 3. Pound the stakes into the ground carefully 4. The stakes should stick out of the ground 15 inches 5. How do you score the game

Now We Do Continued 6. A ringer is a throw in which the shoe hits the stake 7. Show me how to throw 8. I love to play horseshoes 9. How many people can play at one time 10. I won the game

Now You Do On the left hand side of your interactive notebook, make up several examples of each sentence type. Make sure to illustrate and add color.