Types of Sentences

Grade 2 · English · Study Guide

Learn about the four types of sentences and the punctuation marks that go with each one.

There are four types of sentences in English. Each type does something different, and each one ends with a different punctuation mark.

The first type is a declarative sentence. A declarative sentence makes a statement or tells you something. It ends with a period. For example: "The sky is blue."

The second type is an interrogative sentence. An interrogative sentence asks a question. It always ends with a question mark. For example: "What is your name?"

The third type is an imperative sentence. An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request. It usually ends with a period, but it can end with an exclamation mark if the command is urgent. For example: "Please close the door." or "Stop!"

The fourth type is an exclamatory sentence. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling or excitement. It always ends with an exclamation mark. For example: "I love my birthday!"

A helpful way to remember the four types is to think about what job each sentence does. Declarative sentences TELL. Interrogative sentences ASK. Imperative sentences COMMAND. Exclamatory sentences EXCLAIM.

Every sentence must start with a capital letter, no matter what type it is.

Key terms

declarative sentence

A sentence that makes a statement and ends with a period

interrogative sentence

A sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark

imperative sentence

A sentence that gives a command or request, ending with a period or exclamation mark

exclamatory sentence

A sentence that shows strong feeling and ends with an exclamation mark

punctuation

Marks at the end of sentences such as periods, question marks, and exclamation marks

statement

A sentence that tells or declares a fact or idea

Flashcards

declarative sentence

Makes a statement — ends with a period (.) — Example: The sun is hot.

interrogative sentence

Asks a question — ends with a question mark (?) — Example: Where is my book?

imperative sentence

Gives a command — ends with a period or ! — Example: Sit down.

exclamatory sentence

Shows strong feeling — ends with ! — Example: I won the race!

TELL

Declarative sentences TELL — they make a statement

ASK

Interrogative sentences ASK — they ask a question

COMMAND

Imperative sentences COMMAND — they give a direction

EXCLAIM

Exclamatory sentences EXCLAIM — they show excitement or emotion

Questions

1. Which type of sentence asks a question?

   1. declarative
   2. imperative
   3. exclamatory
   4. interrogative
   Show answer

   Answer: interrogative

   An interrogative sentence asks a question and always ends with a question mark.

2. An exclamatory sentence ends with a question mark.

   Show answer

   Answer: False

   An exclamatory sentence ends with an exclamation mark, not a question mark.

3. A declarative sentence ends with a _______.

   Show answer

   Answer: period

   A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period.

4. Which sentence is an imperative sentence?

   1. The cat is sleeping.
   2. Is the cat sleeping?
   3. Please feed the cat.
   4. I love the cat!
   Show answer

   Answer: Please feed the cat.

   'Please feed the cat' is a command or request, making it an imperative sentence.

5. All sentences must begin with a capital letter.

   Show answer

   Answer: True

   Every sentence, no matter the type, must begin with a capital letter.

Get a personalized course on Types of Sentences built around your child.