What Is a Declarative Sentence?

A declarative sentence is a type of sentence that states a fact or opinion, ending with a period. It provides information clearly and directly, making it a fundamental part of effective communication.

What is a Declarative Sentence?

A declarative sentence states a fact or opinion. It follows a subject-verb-object structure and ends with a period. These sentences are straightforward, providing information without asking questions or issuing commands.

Examples:

  • The sun rises in the east.

  • She enjoys reading books.

  • Our team won the match.

  • They are planning a trip.

  • The project is due tomorrow.

  • The weather is beautiful today.

  • He likes to play soccer.

  • She has three cats.

  • The store opens at nine.

  • We will meet at noon.

Types of Declarative Sentences

Simple Declarative Sentences

These sentences consist of a single clause, providing a clear statement.

Examples:

  • I love chocolate.

  • He works at a bank.

  • They moved to a new house.

  • She reads every evening.

  • The cake is delicious.

Compound Declarative Sentences

These sentences have two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction like "and" or "but."

Examples:

  • She loves coffee, and he prefers tea.

  • I wanted to go out, but it started raining.

  • He enjoys hiking, and she loves swimming.

  • The cat is sleeping, but the dog is awake.

  • They can stay here, or they can leave.

Complex Declarative Sentences

These include one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Examples:

  • Although it was raining, they went for a walk.

  • She smiled when she saw her friend.

  • Because he was late, he missed the bus.

  • If you finish your work, we can go out.

  • While she was cooking, he was cleaning.

Compound-Complex Declarative Sentences

These sentences have at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Examples:

  • He forgot his book, so he went back home because he needed it.

  • She baked a cake, and he decorated it while their friends arrived.

  • The team won the game, but they were tired because they played hard.

  • She studied for the exam, and he revised his notes since the test was difficult.

  • They wanted to travel, but they stayed home because of the weather.

How to Form Declarative Sentences

The basic word order in declarative sentences is subject-verb-object. This structure makes your statements clear and easy to understand.

Examples:

  • Subject: The cat | Verb: sat | Object: on the mat.

  • Subject: They | Verb: built | Object: a house.

  • Subject: She | Verb: likes | Object: chocolate.

  • Subject: We | Verb: watched | Object: a movie.

  • Subject: He | Verb: fixed | Object: the car.

Tips:

  • Keep sentences concise.

  • Use active voice.

  • Avoid unnecessary words.

  • Place important information at the beginning.

  • Vary sentence length to maintain interest.

Usage of Declarative Sentences in Everyday English

Declarative sentences are vital in making statements and sharing information. They play a significant role in expressing opinions and beliefs clearly.

Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Formal: The meeting will start at 10 AM.

  • Informal: I can't wait for the weekend.

  • Business: Our company has reached its quarterly targets.

  • Casual: I'm going to the park.

  • Academic: The experiment yielded significant results.

Practice and Exercises

To master declarative sentences, practice by completing and correcting sentences.

Practice Sentences:

  • The dog _____ (fill in the blank).

  • She _____ the piano (fill in the blank).

  • They _____ to the store (fill in the blank).

  • He _____ his homework (fill in the blank).

  • We _____ a new car (fill in the blank).

Exercises:

  • Identify the declarative sentence: "Are you coming?" "He is coming."

  • Correct the sentence: "Running fast is she."

  • Rewrite as declarative: "Can you help me?" -> "You can help me."

  • Identify and underline the subject: "The cat chased the mouse."

  • Rearrange to form a declarative sentence: "books / reads / she / many"

Interactive Activities:

  • Create your own sentences based on given subjects and verbs.

  • Rewrite questions and commands as declarative sentences.

  • Pair up and share sentences, correcting each other’s work.

  • Identify declarative sentences in a short paragraph.

  • Use picture prompts to write declarative sentences.