Declarative sentences are the most frequently used types of sentences in the English language. A declarative makes an assertion or expresses an idea and is simply ended with a period. Knowing the declarative sentence definition helps you build writing that feels complete, structured, and easy to read.
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What is a Declarative Sentence?
A declarative sentence is the kind of sentence that gives information or states a fact. Instead of asking, commanding, or exclaiming, it simply tells something, which makes it essential for essays, reports, and everyday communication. While writing declarative sentences, you follow the simple pattern: subject + verb + object. They always end with a period (.), signaling that the thought is complete.
Try reading these:
- The sun rises in the east.
- My friend loves creative writing.
- We decided to review all the rules before class.
They sound plain at first, but they carry weight. They build a world one small truth at a time.
There are negative and positive declarative sentences.
- Positive: She speaks English fluently.
- Negative: She doesn’t speak English fluently.
If you want to learn more about different types of sentences and how they’re built, read our article here.
Types of Declarative Sentence
Every statement has its own rhythm. Some stand alone like a clear thought, and others stretch and branch, connecting ideas in ways that mirror how people actually think. These variations form the types of declarative sentences that shape how meaning unfolds. Below, you’ll see four main types and declarative sentence examples.
Simple Declarative Statement
A simple declarative sentence carries one independent clause that expresses a complete thought. The usual word order is subject + verb + object, though sometimes a short phrase or modifier joins to add color. This pattern gives the sentence its clarity. You know who does the action and what happens because everything follows a natural line of thought.
Example: The student writes every morning.
The sentence is declarative, ends with a period, and conveys meaning plainly. That creates simplicity and precision, something that every writer aims for before constructing into something more complex.
Compound Declarative Sentence
A compound declarative sentence links two clauses that both can be independent sentences. They are connected through coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, yet, so, etc.
The word order still follows the same trajectory as most sentences in English: subject, verb, object, except that it happens twice in the same sentence.
Example: The rain poured all night, but the garden looked beautiful in the morning.
Both sides could stand alone as independent clauses, but they sound better together.
Complex Declarative Sentence
A complex declarative sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause can exist alone in a sentence, while the dependent clause cannot exist without additional information.
In this type of sentence, the words can be arranged differently. You can start the sentences with the dependent clause or place it after the independent idea.
Example: When the rain stopped, the air felt clean again.
The first part depends on the second to finish the thought. This mix makes your writing sound smoother and adds a little more meaning to what you’re saying.
Compound–Complex Declarative Sentences
This type of sentence contains a number of independent clauses, and one or more that depend on those. So, a compound-complex declarative sentence has two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. This type of declarative sentence allows you to demonstrate how some ideas stand strongly alone in real-life situations while others require a bit of support.
The word order isn’t fixed. You can start with the dependent part or tuck it in between the main clauses.
Example: The rain stopped, and the sky cleared because the storm had finally passed.
Each idea tells a specific story but together they paint a picture.
Declarative Statement Examples
Declarative sentences can serve many purposes. Some share opinions, others describe, explain, or simply state what’s true. Here are a few kinds you’ll often see:
- To express a statement of opinion:
Dogs seem to understand people better than most people think.
- As a descriptive sentence:
The hallway lights flickered softly against the pale walls.
- To express facts:
The moon reflects light from the sun.
- To share something casual or everyday:
We talked about our weekend plans while waiting for the bus.
- To explain or clarify something:
Declarative sentences often form the base of clear communication.
Declarative sentences show up everywhere from essays and stories to casual talks. If you’re working on writing stronger ones for your next paper, you can find plenty of good argumentative essay topics here.
Declarative vs. Other Types of Sentences
Every sentence has its own job. Some tell, some ask, some show emotion, and others give commands. For example, declarative statement vs imperative statement differ in purpose: declarative statements inform, while imperative statements instruct or direct with either a comma or an exclamation point at the end. Here are some of the main differences between declarative and other types of sentences, briefly summed up:
How to Write Strong Declarative Statements
If you're unsure how to correctly use declarative sentences in your writing, then you won't be able to create high-quality writing, since declarative sentences are the backbone of all kinds of academic papers. This is what you will want to do:
- End every statement with a period. It closes the thought and gives your sentence a sense of completion.
- Prefer active voice. It keeps your writing alive and certain. Passive voice often makes it sound like no one’s responsible for the action.
- Skip filler phrases. You don’t need 'I think' or 'I believe.' The fact that you wrote it already shows it’s your idea.
- Balance your sentence length. Short sentences grab attention; longer ones add rhythm. Mix both for flow.
- Focus on positive forms. 'The solution works' sounds clearer than 'The solution isn’t wrong.' Affirmative sentences give your ideas strength.
- Connect ideas only when they belong together. If a sentence feels crowded, split it. Clarity always beats complexity.
- Say it out loud. If it feels awkward when spoken, it’ll read that way too. Natural speech is the best test of a solid declarative sentence.
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Practice with Declarative Sentences
Download this PDF file with short declarative sentence exercises and learn how to recognize and build natural-sounding declarative statements.
The Bottom Line
Declarative sentences are a strong basis for clear and confident writing. They tell, inform, express opinions, and state facts without unnecessary complexity. Whether simple or compound, each one helps ideas flow more fluently and communicates in a more natural way. When you understand what purpose declaratives serve and how they do it, each paragraph you write gets sharper.
If you find yourself struggling with declarative sentence structure while working on your application, check out our guide on how to write a college essay, and let our authors help you get the hang of it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know If a Sentence Is Declarative?
You can recognize a declarative sentence by its purpose and punctuation. If a sentence shares information or states a fact in a straightforward way, it’s declarative. Additionally, declarative sentences always end with a period, which signals that the thought is complete. For example, The train leaves at six is declarative because it gives information, while When does the train leave? is interrogative.
What Is the Difference Between Simple and Complex Declarative Sentences?
Simple declarative sentences communicate one idea. It includes just one independent clause, which means it can stand alone. Example: The students are reading. On the other hand, complex sentences include one independent clause and one or two dependent ones. Example: The students are reading because they have an exam tomorrow.
How Do I Write a Paragraph Using Declarative Sentences?
Start your paragraph with a clear topic sentence that states your main idea. Each following line should build on it with direct, complete statements that explain, describe, or support your point. Keep every sentence complete and easy to follow with no questions or commands.
For example, if your paragraph is about reading habits, you might write: Reading improves focus. It helps students understand ideas more deeply. Regular reading builds stronger vocabulary skills.
How Are Declarative Sentences Formed in English?
They usually follow this pattern: subject, verb, object.
Example: The dog chased the ball. The subject (dog) performs the action (chased) on the object (ball). This order helps readers immediately understand who’s doing what, and even if you add descriptive phrases or clauses, that basic structure remains at the core of every declarative sentence.
How to Learn to Write Declarative Statements?
You can practice by taking a question or command and writing a statement. For example, turn Can you close the door? into You can close the door. Another good idea is short writing exercises that focus on clarity and sentence structure. Reading well-written essays can help too, since they’re full of declarative statements that show how information flows naturally.

John spends his days studying the impact of language. He uses his deep understanding of linguistics and research experience to help students communicate more effectively and craft immaculate research-intensive papers.
- San José State University Writing Center. (n.d.). Sentence types and functions [PDF]. San José State University. https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Sentence%20Types%20and%20Functions.pdf
- BBC Bitesize. (n.d.). Sentence types - English language - GCSE English revision guide. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zy926fr/revision/4
- The Free Dictionary. (n.d.). Declarative sentences. Farlex. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Declarative-Sentences.htm
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