Y05W03GR Sentence types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory

Sentence types: declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory

Every sentence you write has a job to do. Some sentences share information. Some ask questions. Some give instructions. Some express strong feelings. When you understand the four types of sentences and what each one does, you can choose the right type for your purpose — and make your writing more varied and interesting to read.

You’ll learn
  • Identify and name the four types of sentences
  • Recognise each type from its shape and end punctuation
  • Use at least two sentence types in your own writing
Core ideas
  • Declarative sentence — a sentence that makes a statement or shares information. It ends with a full stop. For example: Popcorn is made from a special type of dried corn kernel.
  • Interrogative sentence — a sentence that asks a question. It ends with a question mark. For example: Why does popcorn pop when you heat it?
  • Imperative sentence — a sentence that gives an instruction, command or request. It usually begins with a verb. The subject (you) is understood but not written. For example: Heat the oil in the saucepan before adding the kernels.
  • Exclamatory sentence — a sentence that expresses strong feeling or surprise. It ends with an exclamation mark. For example: That kernel just flew right out of the bowl!

How it works

1Declarative sentences — sharing information

Declarative sentences are the most common type in most writing. They give the reader facts, ideas or observations. A declarative sentence ends with a full stop.

  • Each popcorn kernel contains a tiny drop of water inside a hard outer shell.
  • When the water heats up, it turns to steam and creates pressure.
  • These sentences make statements. They do not ask questions or give instructions — they simply share what is known.

2Interrogative sentences — asking questions

Interrogative sentences invite curiosity or ask for a response. In explanations and reports, a well-placed question can draw the reader in before you answer it.

  • What happens inside the kernel when it reaches high temperatures?
  • Does the size of the kernel affect how loud the pop is?
  • Interrogative sentences often begin with question words (what, why, how, when, where, who) or with a helper verb that flips in front of the subject (Does it...? Can we...?).

3Imperative sentences — giving instructions

Imperative sentences tell someone what to do. The subject (you) is not written because it is already understood. Imperative sentences are common in science experiments, recipes and procedures.

  • Cover the saucepan with a lid to trap the steam inside.
  • Listen carefully for the popping to slow down before removing the pan from the heat.
  • An imperative sentence can end with a full stop (calm instruction) or an exclamation mark (urgent instruction).

4Exclamatory sentences — showing strong feeling

Exclamatory sentences express surprise, excitement or strong emotion. They end with an exclamation mark. Use them sparingly so they keep their impact — a paragraph full of exclamation marks loses the effect.

  • The pressure inside the kernel can reach up to nine times normal air pressure!
  • That is the fastest-popping kernel in the entire bowl!

See it in action

Here is a short paragraph about popcorn that uses all four sentence types. Each sentence has a different job. Together, they make the paragraph more varied and engaging than four plain declarative sentences would be.

Declarative sentence

Before

After ✓

Sentence: Popcorn works because of the water trapped inside each kernel. What it does: This sentence shares information and ends with a full stop.

Interrogative sentence

Before

After ✓

Sentence: What actually causes that satisfying pop? What it does: This sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.

Imperative sentence

Before

After ✓

Sentence: Think of the kernel as a tiny sealed pressure cooker. What it does: This sentence gives an instruction to the reader. The subject you is understood.

Exclamatory sentence

Before

After ✓

Sentence: When the steam can no longer be contained, the shell explodes outward — and popcorn is born! What it does: This sentence shows excitement and strong feeling, so it ends with an exclamation mark.

Quick check
  • A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a full stop.
  • An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.
  • An imperative sentence gives an instruction and usually begins with a verb.
  • An exclamatory sentence expresses strong feeling and ends with an exclamation mark.
  • Varying sentence types makes writing more engaging and purposeful.
Metalanguage
  • declarative sentence(n.) a sentence that makes a statement and usually ends with a full stop — Popcorn kernels contain water.
  • interrogative sentence(n.) a sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark — Why does popcorn pop?
  • imperative sentence(n.) a sentence that gives an instruction, command or request; the subject you is often understood — Cover the saucepan with a lid.
  • exclamatory sentence(n.) a sentence that expresses strong feeling or surprise and ends with an exclamation mark — That kernel flew out of the bowl!