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Imperatives

Imperatives

Beginner

An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives the reader an instruction, makes a request, or issues a command.

Table of Contents

1.Structure

1.1Structures of Sentences

To form an imperative sentence, you need a base form of a verb (or bare infinitive).

Full Infinitive Bare Infinitive (Base Form)
to be be
to eat eat
to look look
to sleep sleep
to come come

Now we can create a sentence.
don't = do not

Structure Examples
+ Verb (Base Form) + ... Be patient!
Eat your lunch.
Sleep tight!
- Do not + Verb (Base Form) + ... Do not be late!
Do not come home late.
Do not drink too much.

Practice Examples

Form an imperative sentence (positive) with the collocation you see.

(to open the window) _____ .

Form an imperative sentence (positive) with the collocation you see.

(to write your name here) _____ .

Form an imperative sentence (positive) with the collocation you see.

(to take a seat) _____ .

2.Use

2.1Instructions / Commands

We use imperative verbs to give instructions, clear and direct steps.

Example
Open the door.
Turn left at the corner.
Write your name on the paper.
Close the window.
Read the instructions carefully.
Press the button to start.
Take a deep breath.

Practice Examples

Give an instruction. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to clean) _____ your room.

Give an instruction. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to check) _____ your email.

Give an instruction. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to speak) _____ slowly, please.

2.2Requests

It is a good idea to use please to make a request polite.

Example
Please show me how to do this.
Please turn off the light.
Please give me a moment.
Please tell me the time.
Please repeat that again.
Please wait here.

Practice Examples

Make a polite request. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to open/please) _____ the door.

Make a polite request. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to pass/please) _____ the salt to me.

Make a polite request. Form an imperative sentence (positive).

(to help/please) _____ me with this.

2.3Prohibition (Ban)

When you want to tell someone not to do something, you use imperatives as well.
don't = do not

Example
Do not open the door.
Do not touch that!
Do not pass notes in class.
Do not run in the hallway.
Do not speak too loudly.
Do not stand on the chair.

Practice Examples

Put a ban. Form an imperative sentence (negative).

(not/to open) _____ the door.

Put a ban. Form an imperative sentence (negative).

(not/to smoke/please) _____ here.

Put a ban. Form an imperative sentence (negative).

(not/to touch) _____ that!

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