Definition of Declarative Sentence
Definition of Declarative Sentence
Possibly the most common sentence type in the
English language, declarative
sentences are used when you want to make a statement. Whether
it’s a bold statement or a simple fact, the sole purpose of a declarative
sentence is to give information. It always ends with a simple
period. And if you’d like to see an example of a declarative sentence,
you don’t need to look any further. Actually, every sentence in this paragraph
is a declarative sentence.
You’ll find most of your writing contains declarative sentences, too. Practically all of your essays and reports can be made almost entirely of this sentence type. If the purpose of your work is to give information with statements of facts, or to state an idea, or to argue a point, declarative sentences will do the job. And let’s face it; that’s exactly what information seekers are looking for. Just remember declarative sentences aren’t designed to elicit a response with a command or question. They simply relay information.
You’ll find most of your writing contains declarative sentences, too. Practically all of your essays and reports can be made almost entirely of this sentence type. If the purpose of your work is to give information with statements of facts, or to state an idea, or to argue a point, declarative sentences will do the job. And let’s face it; that’s exactly what information seekers are looking for. Just remember declarative sentences aren’t designed to elicit a response with a command or question. They simply relay information.
Tip – If you ever have
writer’s block, you can jumpstart your writing by simply typing a declarative
sentence at the top of your document. For example, if your report is on
marine life, you could get your thought processes going by typing:
“Plankton is the most abundant food source in the ocean.” Then follow through
with what, when, where, and how to flesh out your work.
How to Write a Declarative Sentence
Writing simple declarative sentences is a matter of following a simple formula:
Subject + Predicate
Declarative sentences always have a subject and a predicate. The subject can be simple with a noun phrase or it can be a compound subject. Compound subjects are made of more than one simple subject combined with a conjunction such as and, or, and but.
Declarative sentences always have a subject and a predicate. The subject can be simple with a noun phrase or it can be a compound subject. Compound subjects are made of more than one simple subject combined with a conjunction such as and, or, and but.
Here
is an example for you.
My coat is red.
Simple
Subject – “My coat”
Predicate
– “is red”
Katie and I rode our
bikes to school.
The
word Katie and the word I are two simple subjects joined
by the conjunction and to make a compound subject.
A Few More Examples
of Declarative Sentences
- I
have an appointment at 2:00 today.
- Tomorrow
I leave for France.
- I
told him dinner will be served promptly at six.
- It’s
a nice day for a walk along the beach.
- I
think you should wear the blue shirt with the khaki pants.
- We’re
going to the movies later this evening.
- After
the snow storm, the air smelled fresh and clean.
Compound
Declarative Sentences
A
compound declarative sentence helps vary sentence length within your writing,
thereby making it more interesting to read. You can write a compound
sentence in a variety of ways. Here are a few formulas to keep in mind.
1.
A comma and conjunction joins the sentences.
The band played for
hours, and the audience went wild.
John had to catch
the next flight to Boston, so he packed as quickly as he could.
2.
A semicolon joins the two sentences.
The band played for
hours; the audience went wild.
John had to catch
the next flight to Boston; he packed as quickly as he could.
3.
A semicolon plus a transition word.
Transition
words are actually conjunctions that are adverbs. Not sure about transition words?
No problem. Examples of transition words are below:
- However
- In
fact
- Nonetheless
- Besides
- Instead
- Moreover
- Therefore
- On
the other hand
- Nevertheless
And many more…
The house had a new
roof and exterior paint; howeverthe pipes were old.
Mary’s essay was
phenomenal; in fact, it won the Young
Author’s contest.
Jim worked hard
everyday; therefore, he expected a
raise at the end of the year.
As
long as people want or need information, declarative sentences will be there to
serve the purpose. When you think about it, it would extremely difficult
to write anything at all without some type of declarative sentence.
Remember declarative sentences come in all forms: simple, compound and complex. They can make a point quickly or they can include direct objects, prepositions, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. Whatever the structure, the purpose remains the same – to deliver a statement or fact.
Remember declarative sentences come in all forms: simple, compound and complex. They can make a point quickly or they can include direct objects, prepositions, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. Whatever the structure, the purpose remains the same – to deliver a statement or fact.
The point is don’t let the sentence length confuse you. As long as it states something and doesn’t ask a question, make a command or an exclamation, it’s a declarative sentence.
You
enhance your writing when you use a variety of sentence lengths and structures,
which should always be your goal. Writing and reading, especially, should
never be a boring task! (That’s an exclamatory sentence.)
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