The types of phrases in French

The types of phrases (French: les types de phrases) are used to communicate effectively, we can use several categories of sentences depending on what we want to express:

• inform
• ask a question 
• express anger
• give an order

We talk about types of sentences that depend on the intention of the person who expresses himself

The French grammar uses 4 types of phrases.

The declarative phrases in French

Declarative phrases (French: les phrases déclaratives) tell an action or something. They simply give information.

They always end with a final dot. 

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Examples

• Les enfants sont partis au parc. (The children went to the parc)
• L'équipe de football a un nouvel entraîneur. (The football team has a new coach)
• Mélissa a rencontré le président du Maroc. (Melissa met the president of Morrocco)

The interrogative phrases in French 

Interrogative phrases (French: les phrases interrogatives) are used to ask a question or to ask for information. The interrogative sentences end with a question mark (?).

Examples 

• Pourrais-je aller aux toilettes ? (May I go to the toilet ?)
• Pourquoi es-tu là ? (Why you are here ?)
• Si je pars en Italie, viendriez-vous avec moi ? (If I leave for Italy, would you come with me ?)

The Exclamative phrases in French 

Exclamatory phrases (French: les phrases exclamatives) can express a feeling (joy, anger, astonishment, disgust ...). The Exclamatory sentences end with an exclamation point (!)

Examples

• Pitié ! (Oh pity !)
• Quel bel homme ! (What a beautiful man !)
• Quelle coincidence ! (What a coincidence) 

The Imperative phrases in French

Imperative phrases (French: les phrases impératives) are used to give an order, an advice or to prohibit. They end with a single point or an exclamation point.

They are called like that because the verb is often conjugated to the imperative. 

Examples

• Mange ta viande ! (Eat your meat !)
• Faites un tour et revenez. (Have a ride and come back)
• Laisse-moi tranquille ! (Leave me alone !)

​Learn more about the types of phrases in the following lessons.