Sentence Functions: The Four Jobs of a Sentence
Welcome! Did you know that every sentence you write has a specific "job" to do? In English grammar, we call these jobs functions. Just like you might use a hammer to hit a nail or a screwdriver to turn a screw, you choose different sentence types depending on what you want to say.
In this chapter, we are going to look at the four main types of sentences you need to know for your KS2 tests: statements, questions, commands, and exclamations.
Don’t worry if this seems a bit confusing at first. By the end of these notes, you will be a sentence expert!
1. Statements (G2.1)
A statement is the most common type of sentence. Its job is to tell the reader a fact, an opinion, or some information. It is simply "stating" something.
How to spot a statement:
- It usually starts with a noun or a pronoun (like The dog... or I...).
- It ends with a full stop.
Examples:
The sun is shining today.
I like eating apples.
The school bus arrives at eight o'clock.
Quick Tip: If you are just sharing information without being bossy or asking a question, it’s probably a statement!
Key Takeaway: Statements tell us something and end with a full stop.
2. Questions (G2.2)
A question is used when you want to find out information. It requires an answer.
How to spot a question:
- It often starts with "question words" like Who, What, Where, When, Why, or How.
- It can also start with words like Can, Do, Is, or Are.
- Crucial rule: It must always end with a question mark.
Examples:
Where is my lunchbox?
How do you solve this puzzle?
Are we nearly there yet?
Question Tags
Sometimes, we add a mini-question to the end of a statement to turn it into a question. These are called question tags.
Example:
It is a lovely day, isn't it?
You haven't seen my shoes, have you?
Key Takeaway: Questions ask something and must end with a question mark.
3. Commands (G2.3)
A command is used when you want to tell someone to do something. They can be instructions, rules, or even polite requests.
How to spot a command:
- Commands usually start with an imperative verb (also known as a "bossy verb"). This is an action word that gets right to the point.
- They usually end with a full stop, but if the command is being shouted or is very urgent, it might end with an exclamation mark.
Examples:
Stop that noise!
Mix the butter and sugar together.
Sit down quietly.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Not every sentence with an exclamation mark is an "exclamation" (we will learn about those next!). If the sentence is telling you what to do (like "Go away!"), the function is still a command.
Key Takeaway: Commands tell you what to do and usually start with a bossy verb.
4. Exclamations (G2.4)
In your English tests, an exclamation has a very specific grammatical pattern. While we often use the word "exclaim" to mean shouting, a "grammatical exclamation" is a sentence that shows strong emotion (like surprise or wonder) and follows a special rule.
The Golden Rule for Exclamations:
To be a formal exclamation in the KS2 curriculum, the sentence must:
- Start with the word What or How.
- Contain a verb (an action or being word).
- End with an exclamation mark.
Examples:
What a big nose you have! (The verb is have).
How kind you are! (The verb is are).
What a wonderful result that was! (The verb is was).
Wait, what about other sentences with exclamation marks?
If a sentence says "Ouch!" or "That's amazing!", we might say they are "exclamatory," but if you are asked to identify a sentence as an exclamation in a SATs-style question, look for that What or How start!
Did you know?
"How cool!" is not technically a full grammatical exclamation because it's missing a verb. To make it one, you would have to say, "How cool that is!"
Key Takeaway: Grammatical exclamations start with What or How, include a verb, and end with an exclamation mark.
Quick Summary Table
Use this table to help you remember the differences:
| Function | Job | Ending Punctuation |
|---|---|---|
| Statement | Tells you something (Facts/Information) | Full stop (.) |
| Question | Asks you something | Question mark (?) |
| Command | Tells you to do something (Bossy) | Full stop (.) or Exclamation mark (!) |
| Exclamation | Expresses strong feeling (Starts with What/How) | Exclamation mark (!) |
Common Exam Pitfalls
1. Mixing up Commands and Exclamations:
Remember, just because a sentence has an exclamation mark (!) doesn't mean its function is an "exclamation."
"Shut the door!" = Command (It's bossy).
"What a loud noise that door made!" = Exclamation (Starts with What and has a verb).
2. Forgetting the Question Tag:
In the test, you might be asked to turn a statement into a question. Adding a question tag is a great way to do this.
"You are hungry." (Statement) → "You are hungry, aren't you?" (Question).
3. Missing the Verb in Exclamations:
Always check for a verb at the end of an exclamation.
"What a beautiful sunset!" (Commonly used, but in a test, they want "What a beautiful sunset it is!").
Top Tip for Success: When you are reading a sentence in your test, ask yourself: "Is this sentence asking me, telling me, ordering me, or exclaiming about something?" This will lead you to the right answer every time!
For more help with sentence structure, you can check out G3 Clauses: main, subordinate and relative.