The main distinction between imperative and interrogative sentences is that imperative sentences indicate a command or request, while interrogative sentences pose a question. There are four primary types of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory. These classifications are based on the functions performed by the sentences. As a result, declarative sentences express a fact or opinion; imperative sentences issue commands or make requests; interrogative sentences ask questions; and exclamatory sentences express exclamation.
Key Takeaways
- Imperative sentences give commands, orders, or make requests, while interrogative sentences ask questions.
- Imperative sentences can end with either a full stop or an exclamation mark, depending on the forcefulness of the command or request, whereas interrogative sentences always end with a question mark.
- Imperative sentences always have the same subject (you), whereas interrogative sentences can have various subjects.
What are Imperative Sentences?
Imperative sentences are those that provide commands and orders or make requests. In other words, they enable us to instruct someone to do something. As a result, an imperative sentence might be a forceful command, friendly advice, or a basic instruction. For example,
Leave me alone!
Please open this door.
Turn left from the junction.
Stop looking at me!
Let’s invite Adam to the party!
Cut the vegetables into fine pieces.
Don’t trust anyone.
Imperative sentences can conclude with either exclamation marks or full stops, as demonstrated by the example sentences above. In fact, their punctuation is determined by the intensity of the command or request. As a result, imperative sentences that end with exclamation marks typically indicate forceful demands.
Figure 01: Imperative Sentences
The primary characteristic of imperative sentences is their absence of a grammatical subject. However, the command or request in each of these sentences is directed at you, the second person pronoun.
What are Interrogative Sentences?
Interrogative sentences are those that pose a question. When someone uses an interrogative sentence, they expect a response. Interrogative sentences typically begin with a question word (how, why, what, when, etc.) or an inverted subject-verb structure (e.g. do you want….). Additionally, they frequently end with a question mark.
Whose book are you marking?
Would you like to have a cup of coffee?
Did you visit your grandmother last month?
When did you return home?
How are you doing?
Didn’t you miss me a lot?
Whom did you talk to?
As demonstrated by the examples above, some interrogative sentences begin with interrogatives or -WH words. These can function as determiners, adverbs, or pronouns.
What is the Difference Between Imperative and Interrogative Sentences?
Imperative sentences are those that issue commands and orders or make requests, whereas interrogative sentences are those that ask a question. As a result, the primary distinction between imperative and interrogative sentences is their purpose. Additionally, there is a distinction between imperative and interrogative sentences based on how they end. Imperative sentences can end with either a full stop or an exclamation mark, depending on the forcefulness of the sentence, while interrogative sentences always end with question marks. Furthermore, imperative sentences always have the same subject, i.e., you, whereas interrogative sentences can have a variety of subjects. This is another significant distinction between imperative and interrogative sentences.
Summary – Imperative vs Interrogative Sentences
Imperative and interrogative sentences are two of the four primary sentence types in English. The main difference between imperative and interrogative sentences is that imperative sentences indicate a command or request, while interrogative sentences ask a question.
Image Courtesy:
1.”1269544″ by ayochurchpic (CC0) via pixabay
2.”2212771″ by geralt (CC0) via pixabay
