Learn on PengiElements of Language, 3rd CourseChapter 2: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject, Predicate, Complement

Lesson 4: Classifying Sentences by Purpose

In this Grade 6 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 3rd Course, students learn to classify sentences by purpose into four types: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory. The lesson covers the defining features of each sentence type, including appropriate end punctuation and the concept of the understood subject "you" in imperative sentences. Students practice identifying and punctuating all four sentence types through two exercises using examples drawn from poetry and everyday contexts.

Section 1

Declarative Sentence

Definition

A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period.

Explanation

Think of a declarative sentence as the most common type of sentence. It's the workhorse of writing, used to share facts, state opinions, or describe events. Its only job is to state something, or “declare” it. It's straightforward and doesn't ask a question or give a command.

Examples

  • I watched a documentary about ancient Rome.
  • The artist Vincent van Gogh was born in the Netherlands.

Section 2

Imperative Sentence

Definition

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.

Explanation

This is the “bossy” sentence! It tells someone to do something. Remember that the intensity of your command can be shown with punctuation: a period for a simple command or a bold and ltalicstrong command* with an exclamation point. Also, the subject is almost always an invisible 'you', which we call the understood subject**.

Examples

  • Command: Look at that incredible architecture.
  • Request: Please send me the link to that article.
  • Strong Command: Get back!
  • Understood Subject: Maria, (you) please get me that book.

Section 3

Interrogative Sentence

Definition

An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.

Explanation

Whenever you're curious, you use an interrogative sentence. Its entire purpose is to seek information. These sentences are easy to spot because they always end with a question mark. They often begin with words like Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, Do, or Can.

Examples

  • Did you see the new exhibit at the museum?
  • How do you solve this math problem?

Section 4

Exclamatory Sentence

Definition

An exclamatory sentence shows excitement or expresses strong feeling and ends with an exclamation point.

Explanation

When you want to express powerful emotions like joy, surprise, anger, or excitement in your writing, use an exclamatory sentence. It adds a burst of feeling and always concludes with an exclamation point. Think of it as a sentence that is shouting or cheering!

Examples

  • I can't believe we won the championship!
  • What a fantastic movie that was!

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Chapter 2: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject, Predicate, Complement

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Subjects and Predicates

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Complements: Predicate Nominatives and Predicate Adjectives

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  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Complements: Direct and Indirect Objects

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    Lesson 4: Classifying Sentences by Purpose

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Section 1

Declarative Sentence

Definition

A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a period.

Explanation

Think of a declarative sentence as the most common type of sentence. It's the workhorse of writing, used to share facts, state opinions, or describe events. Its only job is to state something, or “declare” it. It's straightforward and doesn't ask a question or give a command.

Examples

  • I watched a documentary about ancient Rome.
  • The artist Vincent van Gogh was born in the Netherlands.

Section 2

Imperative Sentence

Definition

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.

Explanation

This is the “bossy” sentence! It tells someone to do something. Remember that the intensity of your command can be shown with punctuation: a period for a simple command or a bold and ltalicstrong command* with an exclamation point. Also, the subject is almost always an invisible 'you', which we call the understood subject**.

Examples

  • Command: Look at that incredible architecture.
  • Request: Please send me the link to that article.
  • Strong Command: Get back!
  • Understood Subject: Maria, (you) please get me that book.

Section 3

Interrogative Sentence

Definition

An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark.

Explanation

Whenever you're curious, you use an interrogative sentence. Its entire purpose is to seek information. These sentences are easy to spot because they always end with a question mark. They often begin with words like Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, Do, or Can.

Examples

  • Did you see the new exhibit at the museum?
  • How do you solve this math problem?

Section 4

Exclamatory Sentence

Definition

An exclamatory sentence shows excitement or expresses strong feeling and ends with an exclamation point.

Explanation

When you want to express powerful emotions like joy, surprise, anger, or excitement in your writing, use an exclamatory sentence. It adds a burst of feeling and always concludes with an exclamation point. Think of it as a sentence that is shouting or cheering!

Examples

  • I can't believe we won the championship!
  • What a fantastic movie that was!

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 2: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject, Predicate, Complement

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Subjects and Predicates

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Complements: Predicate Nominatives and Predicate Adjectives

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  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Complements: Direct and Indirect Objects

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  4. Lesson 4Current

    Lesson 4: Classifying Sentences by Purpose

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