2.L.1.h

Four Kinds of Sentences

Every sentence has a job. Some sentences tell. Some ask. Some tell someone what to do. Some show a strong feeling. The job helps us pick the end mark.

Statement: A statement tells something. It ends with a period ( . ).
A statement is also called a declarative sentence.

The cat is on the bed.

Question: A question asks something. It ends with a question mark ( ? ).
A question is also called an interrogative sentence.

Where is the cat?

Example:

1. Read the sentence. Does it tell, or does it ask?

2. It asks if Sam found his ball.

3. It ends with a question mark. It is a question, or an interrogative sentence.

Commands and Exclamations

Command: A command tells someone to do something. It ends with a period ( . ) or an exclamation point ( ! ).
A command is also called an imperative sentence.

Please sit down.
Stop at the red light!

Exclamation: An exclamation shows a strong feeling, like joy or surprise. It ends with an exclamation point ( ! ).
An exclamation is also called an exclamatory sentence.

We won the big game!

Pick the End Mark
Think about what the sentence does.
1. It tells. Use a period.
2. It asks. Use a question mark.
3. It tells someone what to do. Use a period or an exclamation point.
4. It shows a strong feeling. Use an exclamation point.

Example:

1. To ask, put Does first. End with a question mark.
Does Max feed the fish?

2. To tell Max what to do, use the action word feed.
Max, please feed the fish.

3. To show a strong feeling, end with an exclamation point.
Max feeds the fish so fast!

Statements, Questions, Commands, and Exclamations

Arizona's K-12 Academic Standards: 2.L.1.h

Identify and use declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.

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