Sentence is the means by which ideas and thoughts can be organized and conveyed between persons. This is achieved through 4 types of sentences in English grammar. Assertive, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory are the basic sentence structures that we use in English to achieve different purposes. It may be to make claim, statement, assertions, request, command, question or exclamation. This is the subject matter that I’m going to explore by the means of this piece of writing.:”Using assertive and interrogative sentences”.
- Assertive sentence:: claim, statement, facts
- Interrogative sentence: question
- Imperative sentence: command, order, request
- Exclamatory sentence: emotions, reactions
1. The assertive sentences: meaning, use, examples
Assertive sentences, also known as declarative sentences, express statements or facts. Such sentence structure is used to asserts something either in positive or negative ways. They are used to make claims, express statement, facts and convey ideas and thoughts. Undoubtedly, these are most used and important sentences in English language.
“Himalaya is a folded mountain.”
In this example, “Himalaya is a folded mountain.” How did the himalaya mountain origin, is being described. Yes, it can be a factual claim, statement or fact. We can easily prove its reality.
Deccan trap is formed by volcanic eruption.
Examples of assertive or declarative sentences
- Example1: Tom designs a hybrid car.
- Negative: Tom doesn’t design a hybrid car.
- Example 2 : He develops an innovative solution.
- Negative: He doesn’t develop an innovative solution.
- Example 3: Oceanic waters are saline.
- Negative: Not all oceanic waters are saline.
- Example 4: Most of the trade occurs by the means of sea route because the cost of transportation is drastically reduced by the sea route.
- Negative: Precious goods are not transported by the means of sea route.
Declarative sentences are essential in writing or spoken communication as they help convey information, make announcements, and share updates. By using assertive sentences, you can deliver clear messages to your clients, explain concept with more clarity to your students, and address people with greater ease.
Assertive sentence and illocutionary speech acts
Illocutionary speech act indicates the speakers intention or motive in producing this utterance. this illocutionary speech act is classified byJohn Searle who is American philosopher. Representative, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative speech acts are the major types John Searle classified.
Except directive act of communication, all four are expressed through assertive sentence structure.
Representative act
Representative: Claiming, concluding, reporting, suggesting, confirming, denying, etc. are examples of representative or assertive form of communication. For example, Mango is a tropical fruit. (Stating fact)
Directive act
Directive: Ordering, requesting, commanding, suggesting, inviting, demanding, inquiring, etc. are examples of directive type of speech or communication. For example, Wash your clothes daily. (Order)
Commissive act
Commissive: Promise, offers, vows, pledge, threat etc. are examples of commissive form of speech or communication. For example, Don’t worry, you will get help from me if you find it essential.
Expressive act
Expressive: Thanks, apologizing, congratulations are some examples of expressive act. For example, I really thanks for your timely help.
Declarative act
Declarative: Announcing ceasefire, delivering judgements are examples of declarative speech act. For example, America announces war against terrorism.
Type of grammatical moods in English and assertive sentence
You know that there are three properties of “verb”: tense, mood, voice. So, mood is a “property of verb” that is used to express speakers attitude or intentions. There are six moods in English language.
- Indicative: fact, opinion and statement
- Imperative: command, orders, and requests
- Interrogative: questions
- Exclamatory: emotional reactions
- Subjunctive: wishes, doubts, hypothetical situations
- Conditional: express conditions “if”
Except interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative, other three moods are expressed through ” Assertive sentence.”
2. The interrogative sentence: meaning, use, examples
An interrogative sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark. It seeks information, opinions, or clarification. Interrogative sentences you use when you want to gather information or engage in a conversation.
What is your opinion on election in our country?
What type of mobile phone do you want?
How do you justify yourself?
Types of interrogative sentences
Imperative communication act of illocutionary speech act used to ask questions, opinions, and demands. Moreover, interrogative mood of verb in English language is also does the same function.
Apart from open ended, close ended, probing, rhetoric questions, there are different types of interrogative sentences in terms of structure though purpose is similar. Let’s see some of these.
- Yes/no questions
- Wh – questions
- Choice questions
Yes/ no questions: yes/no questions are like close ended questions. We need to answer such questions in either yes or no, and begin with helping verb.
- Are you going by bus?
- Is this your last attempt for UPSC.
Wh – questions: these questions are so dynamic. They are similar to open ended and probing questions. They begin with words like: what, who, where, when, why, or how. Purpose of such questions to demand certain and specific information.
- Why are you so critical about mobile phone?
- How do you help genuine students?
- What is your future plan?
Some useful examples of interrogative sentences
- Do you work as product manager?
- Does he accept your request?
- Are you preparing for competitive exams?
- Have you not completed your assignment yet?
- Did she apply for fresh job?
- Was he member of Red Cross?
- Will he reach on time?
Interrogative sentences play a vital role in conducting interviews, gathering feedback, and conducting market research. By using interrogative sentences, you can initiate meaningful conversations, gain insights, and make informed decisions.