What Are Declarative Sentences Definition Structure and Examples
When talking about declarative sentence definition, it is simply about making a statement or conveying an opinion. This is to say, a declarative sentence makes a declaration. This type of sentence terminates with a period. Quite interesting for you to know that declarative sentences can be in either form— positive or negative, and in any tense. When talking about the structure of a declarative sentence in English grammar then it would be like subject + verb. In such a sentence the final punctuation is generally a full stop.
Declarative Sentence Examples
Following are the examples of declarative sentence type:
“I wish to be a professional dancer.” (Makes a statement)
“My brother is a really good football player.” (represents an opinion/viewpoint) A declarative sentence if you remember makes a statement and ends with a period.
I go to St.Marys Convent School.
Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first prime minister of India.
How do we Use a Declarative Sentence?
We incorporate declarative sentences all the time in our speech and writing. They are the most commonly used in all types of sentences. The three sentences in the table below are declarative sentences presented in positive and negative form
Below are the examples of positive and negative declarative sentences:
Functions of Declarative Sentences
It is essential to separate form (structure) from the function (job) of a declarative sentence.
The declarative sentence form is a subject-verb.
The function (job) of a declarative sentence is generally to make a statement. But not necessarily always! Sometimes it can give a command, ask a question, or even express a feeling.
The following sentence is in declarative form (it appears to be a statement, other than for the punctuation) but is actually asking a question (usually done with the interrogative form):
Does Samantha like pizza? (Real interrogative form → Does Samantha like pizza?)
This is more ordinary in spoken (verbal) English than in written English.
Here is another example of a declarative sentence. This time it appears like a statement but is actually sending a command (usually done with the imperative form):
You will now open your books. (Real imperative form → Open your books!)
The next sentence is again in the form of a declarative sentence. This time it appears to be a statement (other than for the punctuation) but is actually making an exclamation (which can also be performed using the exclamative form):
Boston was cold! (Real exclamative form → How cold Boston was!)
Boston was cold.—makes a statement
All the sentences consist of the same form (declarative — subject-verb) but different functions
Types of English Sentences
There are 4 types of English Sentences and you must remember to not confuse them with the 4 types of sentence structure.
The 4 types of English sentences are categorized by their purpose:
declarative sentence (statement)
imperative sentence (command)
interrogative sentence (question)
exclamative sentence (exclamation)
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Imperative Sentence
An imperative sentence makes a request and renders a command. It generally ends with a period but can, under certain situations, end with an exclamation point.
Examples of Imperative sentence type:
“Please get up.”
“I need you to get up now!”
Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence is a form that asks a question. This kind of sentence commonly starts with who, what, why, when, where, how, or do, and it ends with a question mark.
Examples of Interrogative sentence type:
“When are you going to meet your friend?”
“Do you know how the climate will be tomorrow?”
Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence is a form that expresses intense emotion or feeling such as happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, surprise, and ends with an exclamation point.
Examples of Exclamatory sentence type:
“It is too risky to enter that tunnel!”
“I got a B on my progress chart!”
Understanding the different types of sentences and punctuation will allow students to become better writers by allowing them to convey different types of information and emotion in their writing.
FAQs on Declarative Sentences in English Grammar
1. What is a declarative sentence in English grammar?
A declarative sentence is a sentence that makes a statement, gives information, or expresses an idea and ends with a period. It is the most common type of sentence in English grammar and is used in everyday speaking and writing.
- It provides facts or opinions.
- It follows the typical subject + verb structure.
- It ends with a full stop (.).
2. What are the types of declarative sentences?
The main types of declarative sentences are affirmative (positive) and negative sentences. Both types state information but differ in meaning.
- Affirmative declarative sentence: States something as true. Example: The sun rises in the east.
- Negative declarative sentence: States that something is not true using words like not, never, or no. Example: The sun does not rise in the west.
3. What is an affirmative declarative sentence?
An affirmative declarative sentence is a sentence that states a fact or opinion in a positive form. It confirms or asserts something without negation.
- Structure: Subject + verb + object/complement
- It does not contain negative words like not or never.
4. What is a negative declarative sentence?
A negative declarative sentence is a sentence that states something is not true by using a negative word. It denies or contradicts a statement.
- Common negative words: not, never, no, nobody.
- Often formed using auxiliary verbs like do/does/did + not.
5. How do you form a declarative sentence?
A declarative sentence is formed by placing the subject before the verb and ending the sentence with a period. It follows the standard English word order.
- Step 1: Start with the subject.
- Step 2: Add the correct verb.
- Step 3: Add an object or complement if needed.
- Step 4: End with a full stop.
6. What is the difference between declarative and interrogative sentences?
The main difference is that a declarative sentence makes a statement, while an interrogative sentence asks a question. They differ in purpose and punctuation.
- Declarative: Ends with a period. Example: You are ready.
- Interrogative: Ends with a question mark. Example: Are you ready?
7. Can a declarative sentence express an opinion?
Yes, a declarative sentence can express both facts and opinions. It simply presents a statement, whether it is objectively true or based on personal belief.
- Fact: Water boils at 100°C.
- Opinion: Chocolate ice cream tastes better than vanilla.
8. Do declarative sentences always end with a period?
Yes, declarative sentences normally end with a period (full stop) in standard English punctuation. The period signals that the statement is complete.
- Correct: He lives in London.
- Incorrect: He lives in London? (This changes it to a question.)
9. What is the function of a declarative sentence in writing?
The function of a declarative sentence is to provide information, explain ideas, or present arguments clearly. It forms the foundation of most academic and everyday writing.
- Used to describe events.
- Used to state facts and definitions.
- Used to express opinions in essays and articles.
10. What are common mistakes with declarative sentences?
Common mistakes with declarative sentences include incorrect word order, missing subjects, and wrong punctuation. These errors can make the sentence unclear or grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect word order: Went she to school.
- Missing subject: Is raining.
- Wrong punctuation: She likes tea?
