Determining Sentence Type

When reading a sentence, determine what type of sentence it is.  Is it a statement of fact?  If it does state a fact, does the author truly want to convey this as a truth; or is he assuming the position of an opponent and stating the opposite view for argumentation?  Does the sentence ask a question?  Is the author or speaker making an exclamation?  Is the author or speaker commanding a particular action?

1.  Consider these statements of fact.

"Jesus wept" (Jn 11:35).

This sentence makes a statement to give information regarding a particular situation.

Another example: 

". . . you say, 'The table of the LORD is to be despised'" (Mal. 1:7 [NASV]). 

Though a statement of fact is offered here, it is from the position of an opponent to the statements being made by Malachi.  Here it is obvious because of "you say."  See also Jesus' use of "you have heard" where he offers a doctrinal statement by the religious leaders, which he corrects (Mt. 5:21-48).  Though the statements are made as fact (e.g., "Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce."), it is obvious from the context that the statement needs correcting.

2.  Uses of Questions - Questions are usually employed to gain more information.  However, they may also be used to cause the hearers or readers to think about the subject.

"Rabbi, . . . where are you staying?" (Jn. 1:38 [NASV])

Information is sought by this question of the two disciples.  But, Jesus asks several rhetorical questions which do not seek information.  He is intending to cause the hearers to think:

"But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings' palaces!  But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.'  Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he"  (Mt. 11:8-11 (NASV]).

3.  The speaker or author may be making an exclamation.  By exclamation, the producer may be exhilarating in wonderful joy; or, he may make a protest.

Jesus was obviously making a biting, ridiculing, protest in our example above when he repeatedly exclaimed: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees!"

Paul was caught up in glorious amazement when he exclaimed: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Rom 11:33 [NASV]).  He became consumed with God's glory while he was rehearsing His wonderful works for sinners. 

4.  Commands, or imperatives, are given to move the hearers or readers to action.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 16:31 (NASV]).

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt. 3:2 [NASV]).

These are demands, commands, that expect a response.

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