Understanding Optative Sentences – Their Meaning and Definition
Optative sentences are typically used to express wishes, hopes, or prayers for known or unknown individuals. As per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an optative sentence is a “verbal mood that expresses a wish or desire”. The Collins Dictionary defines an optative sentence as a
sentence
that “indicates or expresses choice, preference, or wish”.
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Constructing and Using Optative Sentences – Key Points to Remember
Optative sentences often start with
verbs
such as ‘may’, ‘wish’, ‘let’ or ‘have’. They can also be used to extend wishes on special occasions like ‘Happy birthday’. Punctuation-wise, optative sentences usually begin with a capital letter and conclude with an exclamation mark. In some cases, though, they might end with a period.
Illustrative Examples of Optative Sentences
Here are a few examples of optative sentences to further your understanding.
May your dreams come true!
Wish you a day filled with joy and laughter.
May you find success in all your future endeavours.
An optative sentence can generally be explained as a sentence that expresses a wish or prayer for someone known or unknown and also to wish them luck.
What is the definition of an optative sentence?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an optative sentence is one “constituting a verbal mood that is expressive of wish or desire”, according to the Collins Dictionary, an optative sentence is defined as a sentence “indicating or expressing choice, preference, or wish”.
How are optative sentences formed?
Optative sentences are normally seen to start with verbs such as ‘may’, ‘wish’, ‘let’ or ‘have’. They can also be sentences wishing someone on a special occasion such as ‘Happy birthday’.
Give ten examples of optative sentences.
Given below are 10 examples of optative sentences for your reference. Check them out. 1. May you be blessed with a good job. 2. Wish you a wonderful day. 3. May you succeed in all your endeavours. 4. Let the world be a peaceful place. 5. Wish you many more returns of the day. 6. Have a great day! 7. Have a happy and prosperous life! 8. May God have mercy on you! 9. May your mother recover. 10. May God’s will be done!
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