subject + verb + complement + .Use normal order: subject first, then the verb. This form gives information.
Sentence Types
A1English sentences can give information, ask, tell someone to do something, or show strong feeling. The word order and the final mark change with the purpose.
What you'll learn
- Write statements with normal subject + verb order.
- Ask yes/no questions with the helping verb before the subject.
- Give commands with the base verb and no written subject.
- Use exclamations to show strong feeling.
- Match the final punctuation mark to the sentence purpose.
Structure
auxiliary + subject + complement + ?Put the helping verb before the subject to ask a yes/no question.
verb + object/complement + .Start with the base verb. Do not write the subject in a simple command.
full sentence + !Keep a full sentence and add an exclamation mark to show strong feeling.
Build a sentence
Subject
Idea
Tomislate.
Tom is late.
A statement keeps normal order: subject + verb.
When to use
Give information
Use a statement to tell facts, describe people, or say what is true. Anna is tired. The store is open.
Ask for an answer
Use a yes/no question when you want confirmation or a simple answer. Is Tom busy? Are they ready?
Tell someone what to do
Use a command for instructions, requests, and warnings. Open the app. Please wait here.
Show strong feeling
Use an exclamation when the speaker reacts strongly. What a mess! This coffee is great!
Markers
.?!pleasewhat a
Common mistakes
Wrong
Is Tom late.
Correct
Tom is late.
A statement keeps normal order: subject first, then the verb.
Wrong
You are ready?
Correct
Are you ready?
A yes/no question needs the helping verb before the subject.
Wrong
You open the window.
Correct
Open the window.
A simple command starts with the base verb. The subject is not written.
Wrong
To sit down, please.
Correct
Sit down, please.
Do not put to before the verb in a command.
Wrong
Close the door?
Correct
Close the door.
This sentence gives a command, not a question, so it ends with a period.
Common misconceptions
❝ I can turn any statement into a question by adding a question mark. ❞
English yes/no questions also change the word order. The helping verb moves before the subject.
❝ A command needs you at the start because I am speaking to one person. ❞
In a simple command, English drops the subject. Start with the base verb: Come here. Open the file.
Skills in this rule (5)
SAY_A_STATEMENTw5Write a statement with normal word order
Use a subject before the verb to give information. End the sentence with a period.
ASK_A_YES_NO_QUESTIONw5Ask a yes/no question with question word order
Put the helping verb before the subject when the answer can be yes or no. End the sentence with a question mark.
GIVE_A_COMMANDw4Give a command with the base verb
Start the sentence with the verb to tell someone to do something. The subject is usually not written.
SHOW_STRONG_FEELINGw3Use an exclamation to show strong feeling
Use a full sentence with an exclamation mark for surprise, excitement, anger, or admiration. The punctuation shows strong emotion.
MATCH_PUNCTUATION_TO_PURPOSEw4Choose the right ending mark for the sentence purpose
Use a period for statements, a question mark for questions, and an exclamation mark for strong feeling. Commands often end with a period and can take an exclamation mark for force.