End punctuation marks the end of a sentence, but it doesn't tell you what kind of sentence it is.
Here's why:
* Different sentence functions can use the same punctuation.
* A declarative sentence (making a statement) and an imperative sentence (giving a command) both end with a period (.).
* An interrogative sentence (asking a question) and an exclamatory sentence (expressing strong emotion) both end with a question mark (?) or an exclamation mark (!), respectively.
* Sentence function is determined by other grammatical elements.
* Word order: Subject-verb-object order is common in declarative sentences, while subject-verb-inverted order (e.g., "Did you see that?") is typical in interrogative sentences.
* Verb tense: Imperative sentences usually use the base form of the verb (e.g., "Go!").
* Intonation: Exclamatory sentences often have a higher pitch and more emphasis.
Example:
* Declarative: The cat sat on the mat. (.)
* Imperative: Sit down. (.)
* Interrogative: Did the cat sit on the mat? (?)
* Exclamatory: The cat is sleeping! (!)
Therefore, end punctuation is only a clue to the end of a sentence, but not its function. You need to look at other grammatical features to determine the sentence function.