- Definition
Sentence types are the different ways we can write sentences, like making a statement, asking a question, giving a command, or showing strong feelings.
The sentence 'What is for dinner?' is an interrogative sentence because it asks a question.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Sentence types are like the different ways you can use your voice — telling something, asking a question, giving an order, or exclaiming with excitement.
Ask your child: What job is this sentence trying to do: tell, ask, or command?
Common mix-up: Kids may think all sentences just tell you something. Each sentence type has a different job, like asking a question, giving a command, or showing big feelings.
Examples
- 'The dog is brown' is a declarative sentence because it states a fact.
- 'Please pass the salt' is an imperative sentence because it makes a request.
- 'Wow, that's amazing' is an exclamatory sentence because it shows strong feeling.
sentence types is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 3 Language Arts
- Grade 4 Language Arts
- Grade 5 Language Arts
- Grade 6 Language Arts
- Grade 7 Language Arts
+2 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
