Affirmative, Negative, & Interrogative Sentences
Understanding how to form and use different types of sentences is a basic and important part of learning English grammar. In this lesson, we will learn about Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative sentences in detail.
Affirmative Sentences (Positive)
An affirmative sentence states that something is true or gives positive information. It confirms a fact or an opinion.
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
Examples:
- She is a teacher.
- They are playing football.
- I like mangoes.
Negative Sentences
A negative sentence states that something is not true or not happening. It uses negative words like "not" or "no".
Structure: Subject + Auxiliary Verb + not + Main Verb + Object
Examples:
- She is not a doctor.
- I do not like coffee.
- They are not coming today.
Interrogative Sentences (Questions)
An interrogative sentence asks a question to get information. It always ends with a question mark (?).
Structure: Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Object?
Examples:
- Is she coming?
- Do you like pizza?
- Where are they going?
Forming Negative Sentences
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Use `do/does + not` for Simple Present. | He does not (doesn't) work here. |
| Use `did + not` for Simple Past. | She did not (didn't) call yesterday. |
| Use `is/am/are + not` for Present Continuous. | We are not (aren't) leaving. |
| Use `has/have + not` for Present Perfect. | I have not (haven't) finished. |
Tip: Use the Base Form
Incorrect: He doesn't goes to school.
Correct: He doesn't go to school.
Forming Interrogative Sentences
There are two main ways to form questions.
Yes/No Questions
These questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no". They start with an auxiliary verb.
- Is she ready?
- Do you need help?
- Have they arrived?
WH- Questions
These questions start with a question word (What, Where, When, Why, Who, How) and ask for specific information.
- What are you doing?
- Where did he go?
- Why is the sky blue?