Statements

A statement is something that is said or written. It can be defined as the action that takes place to express an opinion. Statements can be divided into four categories: declarative statements, imperative statements, interrogative statements and exclamatory sentences. Each of these plays an essential role in the efficiency of one’s writing skills.

Importance of statements

It is considered important for an individual to know about statements in order to be fluent in English. Statements allow individuals: 

• To respond to questions better
• To write essays efficiently
• To become efficient in speech
• To write articles and news reports
• To analyse the informative texts that allow a person to write in advanced English

Types of statements 

There are mainly four types of statements—declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory.

Declarative statements

These statements are used to convey facts and ideas. In other words, these statements are used to declare something. These are the most commonly used kinds of statements in writing and thinking.

Even on a daily basis, whenever we communicate with people, we usually communicate using declarative statements. When we communicate with people, we share our ideas and opinions with them.

Some examples of declarative statements are: 

1. You should move on from here.
2. India is the fastest-growing economy.
3. We love pasta! 
4. There are five dishes on the table. 
5. She went to the mall yesterday.
6. I went to her concert because I am such a big fan of hers.
7. We should leave now.
8. These are my lipsticks.
9. My new car is white.
10. Genelia brushes her teeth twice a day.
11. She loves to hang out with strangers.
12. I can speak French fluently.
13. You should take your umbrella because it’s raining.
14. We watched a movie last night.
15. I love my canary!

Imperative statements

Imperative statements can be defined as sentences that express a command, warning, request, instruction and invitation. Imperative statements are not used as a subject. These statements are commonly used to make a plea or command. Imperative sentences usually end with the full stop and rarely end with an exclamation mark.

Imperative sentences can be categorised into requests, invitations, commands and instructions.

Some examples of imperative statements are: 

1. Be there at 7.
2. Don’t speak to Sameer.
3. Don’t talk too loudly at the hospital.
4. Please join me for lunch.
5. Be quiet, madam.
6. Don’t think about it.
7. Please bring back my book.
8. Stop biting your nails.
9. Have some courage.
10. Switch off the mobile phones.
11. Do not smoke in my room.
12. Clean my room.
13. Stop talking and open the book.
14. Do not talk in the library.
15. Do not talk to me like that.

Interrogative statements

An interrogative statement is a combination of words that ask a question. Interrogative statements may be direct or indirect, may or may not begin with interrogative pronouns, use tag questions, feature interrogatives and end in a question mark.

The three main types of questions can fall under the interrogative: 

• The question to which the answer can either be yes or no
• The question to which the answer is some information
• The question to which the answer is a choice

Some examples of interrogative statements are: 

1. What is your name?
2. How are you?
3. Where do you live in India?
4. What are you doing?
5. Should I call you?
6. Who fixed the laptop?
7. Whom did you meet yesterday?
8. Where are we going?
9. What would you like to have for dinner?
10. What are you doing here?
11. Are you scared of me?
12. Which kind of music do you like?
13. Who is your favourite cricketer?
14. What are your hobbies?

Exclamatory statements

A statement that shows emotion and ends with exclamation mark is known as an exclamatory sentence. Exclamatory statements are used commonly in English and are considered good to have in your vocabulary. 

However, one should be cautious, as overuse of exclamatory statements can make the emotion seem insincere. Exclamatory sentences are rarely used while writing academic material.

Some examples of exclamatory statements are: 

1. I am extremely sorry for your loss!
2. Hurrah! India won the match!
3. Jesus! I was terrified!
4. Wow, that’s incredible!
5. God, I’m in heaven!
6. I hate you!
7. You are amazing!
8. I’m really going to miss you!
9. I can’t believe it!
10. Happy birthday, dear!
11. Yesterday, I saw my favourite movie!
12. Congratulations! 
13. Today is a beautiful day! 
14. How dare you say that!

Conclusion 

There are mainly four types of statements: declarative statements, imperative statements, interrogative statements, and exclamatory statements.  One should know the purposes and uses of these types of sentences to avoid any mistake while using them in spoken or written communication.