Paragraphs 5.47 to 5.91 explain how negative words are used to talk about the opposite of something or the absence of something.
Paragraphs 5.92 to 5.256 explain how modals are used to talk about possibility, or to show the attitude of the speaker.
Statements, questions, orders, and suggestions
5.2 Sentences are used to do many different things.
The most common use is to give information.
I went to Glasgow University.
Carol was one of my sister’s best friends.
Sometimes you use a sentence to obtain information, rather than to give it.
Where is my father?
What did you say to Myra?
How long have you been out of this country?
At other times you want to express an opinion, give an order, make a suggestion, or make a promise.
That’s an excellent idea.
Go away, all of you.
Shall we listen to the news?
If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them.
When someone says or writes a sentence, they need to show what they are trying to do with it, so that it will be clear, for example, that they are asking a question and not making a statement.
word order
5.3 Often it is the order of words that indicates which way a sentence is being used. For example, if you say He is Norwegian, the word order makes it clear that you are making a statement. If you say Is he Norwegian?, the word order indicates that you are asking a question.
Another way of showing which way a sentence is being used is to begin it with a verb, rather than with the subject. For example, if you say Give this book to Michael, it is clear that you are giving an order or instruction, rather than making a statement or asking a question.
statements, questions, and orders
5.4 There are three main ways of showing what type of sentence is being used in English. These sentence-types are used for forming statements, questions, and orders.
The declarative form is used in most main clauses. Statements are almost always made using the declarative form. When a clause is in the declarative, the subject is placed in front of the verb.
The declarative is sometimes called the indicative.
I want to talk to Mr Castle.
Gertrude looked at Anne.
We’ll give you fifteen pounds now.
The interrogative form is usually used in questions. In clauses, the subject is often placed after the main verb or after an auxiliary verb.
Is she very upset?
Where is my father?
Have you met Harry?
Did you give him my letter?
The imperative is used to try to direct someone’s actions. In clauses, the subject is usually omitted and the base form of the verb is used.
Come back this minute.
Show me the complete manuscript.
There is a fourth form called the subjunctive. This is a feature of English verbs that sometimes occurs in subordinate clauses. The subjunctive is not used to distinguish between different uses of language, and is therefore not dealt with in this chapter. Clauses in which the subjunctive occurs are explained in paragraphs 7.43, 8.41, and 8.48.
5.5 The ways in which these different structures are used are explained in the following paragraphs.
Paragraphs 5.6 to 5.9 explain how the declarative is used to make statements. Paragraphs 5.10 to 5.34 explain how the interrogative is used to ask questions. Paragraphs 5.35 to 5.39 explain how the imperative is used to try to direct someone’s actions.
Other uses of the declarative, interrogative, and imperative are explained in paragraphs 5.40 to 5.46.
Making statements: the declarative form
giving information
5.6 When you are giving information, you use the declarative form.
We ate dinner at six.
I like reading poetry.
Officials have refused to comment.
expressing opinions
5.7 When you are expressing an opinion, you usually use the declarative form.
I think she is a brilliant writer.
It’s a good thing Father is deaf.
He ought to have let me know he was going out.
making promises
5.8 When you make a promise, you use the declarative form.
I shall do everything I can to help you.
I’ll have it sent down by special delivery.
emphasis
5.9 You can emphasize a statement by putting do, does, or did in front of the base form of the verb.
I do feel sorry for Roger.
A little knowledge does seem to be a dangerous thing.
He had no time to spend time with his family, but he did bring home a regular salary.
Asking questions: the interrogative form
5.10 When you ask a question, you usually use the interrogative form.
types of question
5.11 There are two main types of question.
Questions that can be answered by yes or no are called yes/no-questions.
‘Is he your only child?’ – ‘Yes.’
‘Are you planning to marry soon?’ – ‘No.’
‘Can I help you?’ – ‘Yes, I’d like to book a single room, please.’
‘Are you interested in racing?’ – ‘Yes, I love it.’
‘Are you a singer as well as an actress?’ – ‘No, I’m not a singer at all.’
‘Do you like it?’ – ‘Yes, I really like it.’
The actual answer to a yes/no-question is not always yes or no. For example, if you ask someone Do you read in bed?, they might say Sometimes or Never. If you say to someone Do you like jazz?, they might say I think it’s great. But the questions Do you read in bed? and Do you like jazz? are still yes/no-questions, because yes and no are the type of answers the questioner expects. Sometimes will be interpreted as a weak yes answer, never as a strong no answer, and I think it’s great as a strong yes answer.