COMMUNICATION SKILLS

MISS GRACE NANA ABA DAWSON-AHMOAH

1
FUNCTIONAL TYPES OF
SENTENCES
• Another means by which we can classify a sentence is
by looking at the function the sentence can perform
when we are communicating.

• This is because when we use the sentence we have

certain aim to achieve,

• Thus each sentence type will perform a different

function in communication from another type.
1. DECLARATIVE SENTENCE
• This is a statement, usually, these sentences are used
when we want to provide information to state a fact.

• Thomas walked into the classroom.

• You should drive very carefully.
• Charity begins at home.
• We observe that in each sentence, the subject appears
before the verb.

• We can, therefore, say that a declarative has two

characteristics
a) There is a subject in the sentence
b) The subject comes before the verb.
 2. INTERROGATIVE
SENTENCE
• There are two features which identify a sentence as
interrogative
• There is the process of inversion. This process affects
the subject and the verb in the sentence.

• When the verbal element comes before the subject

• Can Aba sing well?
• Is he staying for the party?
• Did we do well in the exams?
THE FOUR TYPES OF
QUESTIONS
a) YES-NO QUESTIONS
This type of questions has the following forms:
i. Have you seen my wife?
ii. Should we submit our assignment now?
iii. Is he asleep at home?
• These questions expect either an affirmation or a
negation of the information.
 2.WH- QUESTIONS
• This type of question is introduced by one of the
following
who whom

whose what

which why

when how
• Where would you celebrate the val’s day?

• Why are you not reading your notes?

• How did you get my address?

• What can you make for us?

3. ALTERNATIVE QUESTIONS

• This type of question expects the addressee to select

one of the options presented in the questions.
• Will you go with me or stay with me?

• Does she visit you or you visit her?

4. TAG QUESTIONS
• Questions in the form of statements plus question tags:
• Our country has been impoverished, hasn’t it?
• Your dog is not wild, is it?
• Elsie broke the mirror, didn’t she?
• I am telling you the truth, aren’t I?
• So he’s failed again, has he?