Introduction
In this chapter, we will learn about declarative sentences. Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentences and are used to make statements. Understanding declarative sentences helps us communicate information clearly and effectively.
What Are Declarative Sentences?
Declarative sentences are sentences that make a statement or express an idea. They provide information, state facts, or describe something. Declarative sentences always end with a period (.) and are used to convey information or share thoughts and opinions.
Example:
- The sky is blue. (This declarative sentence states a fact about the sky)
Key Points
- Make Statements: Declarative sentences provide information or state facts.
- End with a Period: They always end with a period.
- Convey Information: They are used to share thoughts, opinions, and information.
Examples
- She loves to read.
- The dog is barking.
- I have a meeting tomorrow.
- They went to the park.
- He is a good student.
Types of Declarative Sentences
Declarative sentences can be classified into four main types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and nothing more. It expresses a complete thought and has a subject and a verb.
Example:
- The sky looks blue.
- The cat is sleeping.
- She is my friend.
- They are playing football.
2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a sentence with two or more independent clauses. The clauses are usually connected by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so – known as FANBOYS), which typically require a comma, but not always. Alternatively, you can connect independent clauses using only a semicolon.
Example:
- The sky looks blue, and the clouds look gray.
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
- She likes to read books, and he enjoys watching movies.
- They went to the beach; we stayed at home.
3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and any number of subordinate clauses. If the subordinate clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma. If not, no comma is necessary.
Example:
- If I wear my glasses, the sky looks blue.
- Because she loves to read, she spends a lot of time in the library.
- The cat slept while the dog barked.
4. Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence is a sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. They follow the rules for both compound sentences and complex sentences.
Example:
- If I wear my glasses, the sky looks blue, and the clouds look gray.
- She loves to read, and she writes every day because it helps her relax.
- The dog barked, and the cat slept because they were tired.
Word Order in Declarative Sentences
The word order in declarative sentences is quite straightforward:
Subject -> Verb -> Objects
Examples:
- The sky (subject) looks (verb) blue (object).
- She (subject) is reading (verb) a book (object).
- The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).
Examples of Declarative Sentences
Each of these sentences uses declarative sentences to provide information or state facts.
Examples:
- The sun rises in the east.
- She finished her homework on time.
- The store opens at 9 AM.
- He is studying for his exams.
- They traveled to India last summer.
Practice
Let’s practice identifying declarative sentences! Determine if each sentence below is a declarative sentence.
- She went to the library.
- What time is it?
- The flowers are blooming.
- Can you help me?
- He loves playing the guitar.
Answers:
- Declarative Sentence
- Not a Declarative Sentence (Interrogative)
- Declarative Sentence
- Not a Declarative Sentence (Interrogative)
- Declarative Sentence
Conclusion
Declarative sentences are the most common type of sentences used to make statements and convey information. They always end with a period and can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. By understanding and using declarative sentences, we can communicate information clearly and effectively.