Grammar · Sentence Types

The four jobs a sentence can do

Every sentence does one of four jobs: a statement gives information (.), a question asks something (?), a command tells someone to do something, and an exclamation shows strong feeling (!). Knowing the type tells you which end mark to use. Learn each below.

1 The four sentence types

Every sentence does one of four jobs.

Statementtells you something — ends with a full stop (.)

Questionasks something — ends with a question mark (?)

Commandtells you to do something — usually ends with (.) or (!)

Exclamationshows strong feeling — ends with (!)

2 Statements

A statement (or declarative) simply gives information. It ends with a full stop.

The sky is blue. · We went to the park. ✓

3 Questions

A question (interrogative) asks something and ends with a question mark. It often starts with who, what, where, when, why, how, or a verb like is/are/do.

Where are my shoes? · Do you like tea? ✓

4 Commands

A command (imperative) tells someone to do something. It often starts with the verb, and the subject 'you' is hidden.

Close the door. · Please sit down. · Stop! ✓

5 Exclamations

An exclamation (exclamative) shows strong feeling and ends with an exclamation mark. A true exclamation often starts with What or How.

What a beautiful day it is! · How clever you are! ✓

Note: any sentence said with strong feeling can take a ! (Look out!), but a true exclamative begins What/How.

The 30-second method

How to name the sentence type fast

Does it ask something? -> question (?).
Does it tell you to do something? -> command (starts with a verb).
Does it start with What/How and show feeling? -> exclamation (!).
Does it just give information? -> statement (.).
Match the end mark to the job.

10 worked examples

Read the sentence, then its type.

1. The cat is asleep.

Statement — it gives information (Rule 2).

2. Are you coming?

Question — it asks something (Rule 3).

3. Shut the gate.

Command — it tells you to do something (Rule 4).

4. What a mess this is!

Exclamation — starts with 'What', shows feeling (Rule 5).

5. How fast she runs!

Exclamation — starts with 'How' (Rule 5).

6. Where do you live?

Question — starts with 'Where', ends with ? (Rule 3).

7. Please pass the salt.

Command — a polite instruction (Rule 4).

8. My birthday is in May.

Statement — gives information (Rule 2).

9. What mark fits 'Close the window'?

Full stop (or ! if urgent) — it's a command (Rule 4).

10. What mark fits 'How amazing that was'?

Exclamation mark — it's an exclamation (Rule 5).

Mock paper — 20 questions

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Pick one answer (A–E) for each question. The timer starts when you answer your first.