Forms often give an indication of functions but there is no connection between the grammatical form and the use or uses intended. A sentence is a word or group of words which together make up a complete statement. The grammatical sentences are often divided into;
- Declarative form of language
- Interrogative form of language
- Imperative form of language
- Exclamatory form of language
One may be tempted to think and classify them as follows;
- Declarative sentences coincide with informative functions. But, it is not in all cases declarative sentences are informative e.g. I had a nice time at your party’ is a declarative form of discourse but it is not necessarily informative. Other examples include; I would like some coffee, hope you would be able to meet me after the class. Look at this declarative sentence serving as the informative function ‘ the sea is calm to night’
- Interrogative forms: which correspond to the performative functions. The interrogative sentence: Do you realize that we are almost late? Can be a request to hurry. Is it not true that Cameroon and Nigerian both sign…? Can be a question, a soft way of communicating information, an attempt to express information, do you like Bamenda? Can you spell…
- Imperative sentences coincide with the directive functions. The declarative sentence what a beautiful view’’ is more directive than expressive. Look at this example of an imperative sentence serving the directive function’ come to the window’. Commands and request are all examples of directive functions. We can also use the word ‘please’ to transform a command to a request.eg ‘’please’’, ‘’shut the door’’ please, wash the plates; kindly, drop the case.
- Exclamatory sentences coincide with the expressive functions. Ah, she coming; weeeh he failed the test.
