Optative Sentences
Definition
A sentence that expresses a
wish, desire, prayer, curse, or other similar sentiment is known as an optative
sentence.
- May my father have a life filled with joys!
Here, the speaker prays for
his/her father. The speaker’s prayer is for his/her father’s joyful life.
Sentences like this are called optative sentences.
Examples of Optative Sentences
- Best wishes!
- Good luck!
- God help us!
- Happy Eid day!
- Get healthy again!
- Get married soon!
- Have a nice trip!
- Have a safe journey!
- Happy National Day!
- Wish you good luck!
- God bless our nation!
- Let you achieve your aims.
- Wish you a life full of joy.
- Would that we had dollars!
- May God restore your health!
- May you be blessed with a baby boy!
- Would that I could buy that car!
- Let our territory be a peaceful place for visitors.
Forms of Optative Sentences
The most common words may,
let, wish, have, would that, and get are used at the start of an optative
sentence.
They can also be sentences
used for wishing someone on special occasions like ‘Happy National Day!’
Consequently, apart from
some fixed expressions, they are formed by using May + Subject + Verb + …….
pattern.
Punctuating an Optative Sentence
You can use a period or an exclamation
mark at the end of an optative sentence. It depends upon your emotions. To show
strong emotions, an exclamation mark is preferable. A less emotional optative
sentence ends with a period.
