Statements, questions, commands and exclamations

Introduction to Sentence Types

In English, we use different types of sentences depending on what we want to achieve. Are you sharing a fact? Asking for help? Giving a direction? Or expressing a strong feeling? By choosing the right "tool" (sentence type), you can make your meaning clear to your listeners and readers. In this chapter, we will explore the four main types of sentences: Statements, Questions, Commands, and Exclamations.

Note: To learn more about how these sentences are built, see the chapter on "Subject, verb and object: word order".

1. Statements (Declarative Sentences)

A statement is used to give information, express an opinion, or state a fact. Most of the sentences we use in writing and speaking are statements.

What do they do?

According to our curriculum, we use statements to:

• Make general statements about the world or "universal truths" (e.g., The sun rises in the east.).
• Express factual information (e.g., Hong Kong is a beautiful city.).
• Describe feelings and responses (e.g., I feel very happy today.).
• Justify a point of view (e.g., I like this book because the plot is exciting.).

How to spot them:

Statements usually follow the Subject + Verb pattern and always end with a full stop (.).

Example: The students are working hard on their project.

Key Takeaway: Statements are your "information givers." They tell the reader something directly.

2. Questions (Interrogative Sentences)

Questions are used when you want to find out information or ask for help.

What do they do?

We use questions to:

• Seek information or make enquiries (e.g., Where is the nearest MTR station?).
• Ask for advice or favours (e.g., Can you help me with this task? or Should I wear a jacket?).
• Make suggestions (e.g., Shall we go to the park?).

How to spot them:

Questions usually start with Wh- words (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How) or helping verbs/modals (Is, Do, Can, Will, Should). They always end with a question mark (?).

Example: Do you like listening to English songs?

Quick Tip: Rhetorical Questions

Sometimes, we ask a question not because we want an answer, but to make a point or give a recommendation. For example: "Who wouldn't want to save the environment?"

Key Takeaway: Questions are your "information seekers." Always remember the question mark!

3. Commands (Imperative Sentences)

A command is used to tell someone to do something. These are very common in instructions, recipes, and manuals.

What do they do?

We use commands to:

• Give instructions (e.g., Mix the flour and water together.).
• Give advice or recommendations (e.g., Visit the Peak if you have time.).
• Express obligations and prohibitions (e.g., Do not litter in the park.).

How to spot them:

Commands are unique because they usually start with a verb. The "subject" (you) is hidden because it is understood that the speaker is talking to you.

Example: Please open your textbooks to page ten.

Key Takeaway: Commands are "action directors." Use them when you want someone to take a specific step.

4. Exclamations (Exclamatory Sentences)

Exclamations are used to express strong feelings, such as surprise, excitement, anger, or joy.

What do they do?

We use exclamations to:

• Describe strong responses (e.g., That is a fantastic idea!).
• Show gratitude or regret (e.g., I am so sorry for the mistake!).
• Express personal judgements (e.g., What a wonderful performance!).

How to spot them:

Many exclamations start with "What" or "How" and end with an exclamation mark (!).

Examples:
How brave he is!
What a delicious meal!

Key Takeaway: Exclamations are "feeling expressers." They add emotion to your writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting Punctuation: This is the most common error. A question must have a question mark (?), and an exclamation must have an exclamation mark (!). Statements use a full stop (.).

2. Command vs. Statement:
Statement: You brush your teeth. (Just telling a fact)
Command: Brush your teeth! (Giving an instruction)

3. Question Word Order: Remember that in a question, the helping verb usually comes before the subject.
Correct: Are you happy? (Question)
Incorrect: You are happy? (This is a statement spoken with a rising tone, but in formal writing, it should follow the question structure.)

Summary Table

Here is a quick reference guide to help you remember the four types:

Did you know?

In your TSA (Territory-wide System Assessment), you will see these sentence types used in different text types. For example, commands are found in pamphlets and manuals, while questions are often used in interviews and questionnaires!