Recognizing Statements
Determine whether, in typical contexts, the following sentences are statements or
nonstatements. (Note: Some of these are tough.)
1. What time is the concert tonight?
2. My feet are sore.
3. Cowabunga, dude!
4. Why is man less durable than the works of his hand, but because this is not the place of
his rest? (William Penn)
5. Harrisburg is the capitol of Pennsylvania.
6. Give me a call if you have trouble downloading the file.
7. You'd better quit while you're ahead.
8. Sign : Keep off the grass.
9. How unfair!
10. Salt Lake City is a city in Mexico.
11. Mother to child: Don't talk with your mouth full.
12. Recipe: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
13. What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? (Matt.
16:26)
14. Marijuana should be legalized.
15. Who let the dogs out?
16. Ask what you can do for your country. (John F. Kennedy)
17. Banana splits are scrumptious.
18. She walks in beauty, like the night/ Of cloudless climes and starry skies. (Byron)
19. Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord! (Psalms 130:1)
20. If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? (Shelley)
21. The last one in is a rotten egg!
22. What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted? (Shakespeare)
23. Boxer to opponent: May the better man win.
24. Stealing is always wrong.
25. Merry Christmas!
Answers
1. Nonstatement (question)
2. Statement
3. Nonstatement (exclamation)
4. Statement (rhetorical question)
5. Statement
6. Nonstatement (suggestion or
request)
7. Statement (ought imperative)
8. Nonstatement (command)
9. Statement
10. Statement
11. Nonstatement (command)
12. Statement (ought imperative)
13. Statement (rhetorical question)
14. Statement
15. Nonstatement (question)
16. Statement (ought imperative)
17. Statement
18. Statement
19. Statement
20. Statement (rhetorical question)
21. Statement (nonliteral)
22. Statement (rhetorical question)
23. Nonstatement
24. Statement
25. Nonstatement