Statement vs. Question — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024

A statement communicates information or an opinion, while a question seeks information or clarification.

Statement vs. Question — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Statement and Question

Key Differences

A statement is a sentence that conveys a declaration or assertion, often presenting facts or opinions. It is definitive and informative, aiming to provide clarity or share insights. On the other hand, a question is designed to elicit information, requiring a response. It often signals curiosity or the need for clarification on a particular topic.

Statements typically end with a period, marking the conclusion of an idea or thought. They are used in both written and spoken communication to express thoughts, ideas, feelings, and facts. Whereas questions are characterized by their ending punctuation, a question mark, which indicates the speaker or writer's expectation of an answer or further discussion.

In terms of structure, statements usually follow a subject-verb-object order, clearly presenting the information. This structure supports the assertive nature of statements, providing a straightforward way to convey messages. Questions, however, may alter this order or introduce auxiliary verbs and interrogatives (who, what, where, when, why, how) to frame the inquiry, thus modifying the sentence structure to invite a reply.

The tone of a statement can range from neutral to persuasive, depending on its purpose. It can be used to declare facts, share observations, make announcements, or persuade others. Questions, by contrast, inherently carry a tone of inquiry. They can express doubt, seek to persuade through rhetorical questioning, or simply ask for factual information.

The intent behind a statement is to inform, declare, or express. It does not inherently require engagement or response from the listener or reader, standing as a complete expression on its own. Questions, however, are inherently interactive. They seek engagement, inviting the audience to participate in the conversation by providing an answer or further information.

Comparison Chart

Purpose

To convey information or express an opinion

To seek information or clarification

End Punctuation

Period (.)

Question mark (?)

Typical Structure

Subject-verb-object

May introduce auxiliary verbs/interrogatives

Tone

Can range from neutral to persuasive

Carries a tone of inquiry

Intent

To inform, declare, or express

To elicit a response or engage in dialogue

Compare with Definitions

Statement

Expressing a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

I believe in equal rights for all.

Question

Asking for opinions or votes on a matter.

Which option do you prefer?

Statement

A statement that can be proven true.

Water boils at 100°C at sea level.

Question

A sentence designed to elicit information.

What time is it?

Statement

A statement based on something one has seen, heard, or noticed.

The leaves turn orange in autumn.

Question

A formal or systematic questioning.

Why were you at the scene?

Statement

A way to convey feelings or thoughts.

Happiness is key to a fulfilling life.

Question

A question asked for effect with no answer expected.

Is the pope Catholic?

Statement

A sentence that makes a declaration.

The sky is blue.

Question

Seeking further understanding or detail.

How does this process work?

Statement

The act of stating or declaring

The attorney's statement took an hour.

Question

A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.

Statement

Something stated; a declaration

The witness made many false statements.

Question

To ask a question or questions of (someone).

Statement

A formal oral or written declaration, especially with regard to facts or claims

In a statement, the firm denied any wrongdoing.

Question

To interrogate (a suspect, for example).

Statement

An abstract of a commercial or financial account showing an amount due; a bill.

Question

To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine

Researchers questioning which of the methods will work.

Statement

A monthly report sent to a debtor or bank depositor.

Question

To express doubt about; dispute

Questioned his sincerity.

Questioned the expense report.

Statement

(Computers) An elementary instruction in a programming language.

Question

To ask questions.

Statement

An overall impression or mood intended to be communicated, especially by means other than words

Glass, exposed beams, and antiques created a strong decorative statement.

Question

A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.

What is your question?

Statement

Having a striking appearance, often because of large size, unusual design, or extensive ornamentation

A statement necklace.

Statement furniture.

Question

A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.

The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.

There was a question of which material to use.

Statement

A declaration or remark.

Make a statement

Publish a statement

Utter a statement

Question

A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.

His claim to the property has come under question.

The story is true beyond question.

He obeyed without question.

Statement

A presentation of opinion or position.

Question

A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.

I move that the question be put to a vote.

Statement

(finance) A document that summarizes financial activity.

A bank statement

Question

Interrogation by torture.

Statement

(computing) An instruction in a computer program, especially one that returns no value, as opposed to a function call.

Question

(obsolete) Talk; conversation; speech.

Statement

(transitive) To provide an official document of a proposition, especially in the UK a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Question

(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.

Statement

The act of stating, reciting, or presenting, orally or on paper; as, to interrupt a speaker in the statement of his case.

Question

(transitive) To raise doubts about; have doubts about.

Statement

That which is stated; a formal embodiment in language of facts or opinions; a narrative; a recital.

Question

(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.

Statement

A message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc;

According to his statement he was in London on that day

Question

To argue; to converse; to dispute.

Statement

A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;

It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true

Question

The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.

Statement

(music) the presentation of a musical theme;

The initial statement of the sonata

Question

Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.

There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.

Statement

A nonverbal message;

A Cadillac makes a statement about who you are

His tantrums are a statement of his need for attention

Question

Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.

He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.

Statement

The act of affirming or asserting or stating something

Question

That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.

But this question askedPuts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?

Statement

(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program

Question

Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.

Statement

A document showing credits and debits

Question

Talk; conversation; speech; speech.

Question

To ask questions; to inquire.

He that questioneth much shall learn much.

Question

To argue; to converse; to dispute.

I pray you, think you question with the Jew.

Question

To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.

Question

To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.

And most we question what we most desire.

Question

To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.

Question

To talk to; to converse with.

With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me.

Question

An instance of questioning;

There was a question about my training

We made inquiries of all those who were present

Question

The subject matter at issue;

The question of disease merits serious discussion

Under the head of minor Roman poets

Question

A sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;

He asked a direct question

He had trouble phrasing his interrogations

Question

Uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;

The dubiousness of his claim

There is no question about the validity of the enterprise

Question

A formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;

He made a motion to adjourn

She called for the question

Question

An informal reference to a marriage proposal;

He was ready to pop the question

Question

Challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;

We must question your judgment in this matter

Question

Pose a series of questions to;

The suspect was questioned by the police

We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion

Question

Pose a question

Question

Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

Question

Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;

I wonder whether this was the right thing to do

She wondered whether it would snow tonight

Common Curiosities

Can a statement be turned into a question?

Yes, by altering its structure or adding interrogative elements.

Can a question be rhetorical?

Yes, rhetorical questions are asked for effect or emphasis and don't require an answer.

How does punctuation differ between statements and questions?

Statements end with a period, while questions end with a question mark.

How do statements and questions function in conversation?

Statements provide information or express opinions, whereas questions initiate dialogue or seek information.

Can the tone of a statement affect its interpretation?

Yes, the tone can significantly impact how a statement is perceived.

Is the structure of a question always different from a statement?

Often, due to the inclusion of interrogatives or auxiliary verbs, but some structures can be similar.

What distinguishes a statement from a question?

A statement provides information or an opinion, while a question seeks information or clarification.

Are questions a sign of doubt?

They can express doubt, but also curiosity, interest, or a desire for engagement.

Can statements be persuasive?

Yes, statements can be crafted to persuade others of a viewpoint or belief.

Are all statements factual?

Not necessarily; statements can express opinions, assumptions, or factual information.

Can statements stand alone in communication?

Yes, statements can independently convey complete ideas or information.

How can questions enhance learning?

By encouraging inquiry, discussion, and exploration of topics.

Do questions always require an answer?

While most questions seek responses, rhetorical questions do not.

How do interrogatives define questions?

Interrogatives (who, what, where, when, why, how) are key to forming questions and directing the inquiry.

Can both statements and questions be used in academic writing?

Yes, both are used, but statements predominantly convey research findings, while questions often guide the research or discussion.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Urooj Arif

Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

Statement vs. Question — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Statement and Question

Table of Contents

Key Differences

Comparison Chart

Purpose

End Punctuation

Typical Structure

Tone

Intent

Compare with Definitions

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