Identifying sentences by function Worksheet Practice Exercises with Answers

Introduction to Sentence Functions

One way to describe a sentence is by looking at the role it plays in a conversation. A sentence can make a statement, ask a question, give a command, or show strong feeling. Here are four examples:

• That clown was funny. (making a statement)
• Is she a physician? (asking a question)
• Please wash the dishes. (giving a command)
• What an exciting movie! (expressing strong emotion)

Quick Tip 45.1 - Four Types of Sentences

Sentences that make a statement are called declaratives; sentences that ask a question are called interrogatives; sentences that give a command are called imperatives; sentences that express strong emotion are called exclamations.

More Examples of Sentence Types

• Edward's parents live on a farm. (declarative)
• Have you accepted the fact that she'll never move? (interrogative)
• Don't believe a word she says! (imperative)
• That's silly! (exclamation)

Question 1. I'm shocked!
Answer: Exclamation
In simple words: This sentence shows a strong feeling of surprise or shock, so it is an exclamation.

Exam Tip: Look for sentences that end with an exclamation mark and express strong emotions - these are exclamations.

Question 2. Rose and Charles are getting married in that house.
Answer: Declarative
In simple words: This sentence states a fact about Rose and Charles, so it is a declarative sentence.

Exam Tip: Sentences that give information or state facts are declaratives and usually end with a period.

Question 3. What a surprising announcement!
Answer: Exclamation
In simple words: This sentence expresses strong surprise about an announcement, so it is an exclamation.

Exam Tip: Sentences beginning with "What" or "How" followed by an exclamation mark show strong feeling and are exclamations.

Question 4. The weather was awful yesterday.
Answer: Declarative
In simple words: This sentence tells us about the weather, so it is a declarative sentence.

Exam Tip: Simple statements about facts or events are always declaratives.

Question 5. Watch out for that car!
Answer: Imperative
In simple words: This sentence gives a command or warning to someone, so it is an imperative.

Exam Tip: Sentences that tell someone to do something are imperatives. They often start with a verb.

Question 6. That was ridiculous!
Answer: Exclamation
In simple words: This sentence expresses strong feelings about something, so it is an exclamation.

Exam Tip: Personal opinions or feelings stated with strong emotion and an exclamation mark are exclamations.

Question 7. Write that down, please!
Answer: Imperative
In simple words: This sentence asks someone to write something down, so it is an imperative.

Exam Tip: Commands or requests that tell someone to do an action are imperatives.

Understanding Different Types of Questions

Questions can be divided into three main types. Let's look at these examples:

• Do you like learning about sentences? (yes/no question)
• What do you like best? (wh- question)
• You would rather be listening to music, wouldn't you? (tag question)

Quick Tip 45.2 - Yes/No Questions

A yes/no question is one that can be answered by "yes" or "no."

Examples of Yes/No Questions

• Did you enjoy the music?
• Is the television working?
• Are you interested in applying for that job?

Quick Tip 45.3 - Wh- Questions

A wh- question starts with one of these question words: when, where, what, why, which, who, whom, how. Example: Where is the meeting?

Note that how is a wh- word, even though it doesn't start with "wh-".

Why Wh- Questions Are Different

Wh- questions cannot be answered with just "yes" or "no." Here are some strange examples of what happens if you try:

• What time is it? - Yes. (This doesn't make sense!)
• Where are you going? - No. (This doesn't work either!)
• Which dress should I wear? - Yes. (Wrong answer format!)

More Examples of Wh- Questions

• Why did they buy that house?
• When should we meet?
• How does that work?

Quick Tip 45.4 - Tag Questions

A tag question has a statement followed by a tag, such as could you? aren't they? hasn't he? Example: She is leaving soon, isn't she?

More Examples of Tag Questions

• He's having a great time, isn't he?
• It rained last night, didn't it?
• Mrs. Williams was working hard, wasn't she?

Question 8. He's not really crazy, is he?
Answer: Tag question
In simple words: This sentence has a main statement followed by a small tag ("is he?"), so it is a tag question.

Exam Tip: Tag questions always have two parts - a statement and a short question at the end.

Question 9. Which is yours?
Answer: Wh- question
In simple words: This question starts with "Which," which is a wh- word, so it is a wh- question.

Exam Tip: Any question starting with which, what, when, where, why, who, whom, or how is a wh- question.

Question 10. Are you interested?
Answer: Yes/no question
In simple words: This question can be answered by saying "yes" or "no," so it is a yes/no question.

Exam Tip: Questions that start with a helping verb like "are," "is," "did," or "do" and can be answered with "yes" or "no" are yes/no questions.

Question 11. Is the evidence against him compelling?
Answer: Yes/no question
In simple words: This question asks if something is true or not, and you can answer with "yes" or "no," so it is a yes/no question.

Exam Tip: Questions that ask about a fact or state and allow for only a "yes" or "no" response are yes/no questions.

Question 12. We have seen this before, haven't we?
Answer: Tag question
In simple words: This sentence makes a statement and then adds a small tag ("haven't we?"), so it is a tag question.

Exam Tip: Look for the pattern of statement plus tag to identify tag questions.