What is an Assertive Sentence?

S2-SA1-0091

Grade Level:

Class 1

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An assertive sentence is a sentence that simply states a fact, an opinion, or a general truth. It always ends with a full stop (.). It is also called a declarative sentence.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your school cricket team played a match yesterday. You want to tell your friend the result. You would say, 'Our school team won the cricket match.' This is an assertive sentence because it states a fact.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's identify an assertive sentence from a group of sentences.

STEP 1: Read the sentences carefully.
a) Is it raining outside?
b) What a beautiful day!
c) The auto-rickshaw fare to the market is fifty rupees.
d) Please open the door.
---STEP 2: Look for sentences that state a fact or an opinion and end with a full stop.
a) ends with '?' – not assertive.
b) ends with '!' – not assertive.
d) is a request – not assertive.
---STEP 3: Sentence (c) 'The auto-rickshaw fare to the market is fifty rupees.' states a fact and ends with a full stop.
---ANSWER: Sentence (c) is an assertive sentence.

Why It Matters

Learning about assertive sentences helps you communicate clearly and effectively in daily life. It's crucial for journalists writing news reports, lawyers presenting facts in court, and anyone who needs to express their ideas precisely. Clear communication is key in almost every job!

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Ending an assertive sentence with a question mark or exclamation mark. Example: 'The sun is shining brightly?' | CORRECTION: Assertive sentences always end with a full stop. Example: 'The sun is shining brightly.'

MISTAKE: Confusing an assertive sentence with a command or a request. Example: 'Go to the market.' | CORRECTION: An assertive sentence states a fact or opinion. A command tells someone to do something. Example: 'I am going to the market.'

MISTAKE: Using an assertive sentence to ask a question. Example: 'You are coming to the party.' (when meaning to ask) | CORRECTION: If you want to ask, use a question. If you want to state, use an assertive sentence. Example: 'You are coming to the party.' (statement) vs. 'Are you coming to the party?' (question)

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Which of these is an assertive sentence? A) What is your name? B) My name is Rohan. C) Please give me water. | ANSWER: B) My name is Rohan.

QUESTION: Convert this sentence into an assertive sentence: 'Are you feeling hungry?' | ANSWER: You are feeling hungry.

QUESTION: Identify the assertive sentence(s) in the following: 1. How much data is left? 2. I have 1 GB of mobile data left. 3. Please recharge my phone. 4. My phone needs recharging. | ANSWER: 2. I have 1 GB of mobile data left. and 4. My phone needs recharging.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following is an assertive sentence?

What a delicious samosa!

Please pass the salt.

The train arrived on time.

Did you finish your homework?

The Correct Answer Is:

Option C 'The train arrived on time.' states a fact and ends with a full stop, making it an assertive sentence. Options A, B, and D are an exclamatory, imperative, and interrogative sentence respectively.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you read news headlines on a website like 'The Times of India' or 'Hindustan Times', most of them are assertive sentences. For example, 'India launches new satellite' or 'Petrol prices increase today'. These headlines state facts directly to inform readers.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

ASSERTIVE: Stating a fact or opinion directly | DECLARATIVE: Another name for an assertive sentence | FULL STOP: The punctuation mark (.) used at the end of an assertive sentence | FACT: Something that is true | OPINION: A belief or view about something

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job learning about assertive sentences! Next, you should explore Interrogative Sentences. They are sentences that ask questions, which is a different way to communicate and will help you understand all types of sentences better.