A2 English GrammarImperative (Commands)
Give commands, instructions, requests, and advice using the imperative form. Learn positive and negative commands and how to make them polite.
1Forming the Imperative
The imperative uses the base form of the verb without a subject. It's the simplest verb form in English. Use it for commands, instructions, and directions.
Imperative Forms
| Type | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | verb (base form) | Sit down. |
| Negative | Don't + verb | Don't touch that. |
| Emphatic | Do + verb | Do be careful! |
Examples
Open the door.
Open the door.
simple command
Turn left at the corner.
Turn left at the corner.
direction
Don't forget your keys.
Don't forget your keys.
negative imperative
Do sit down.
Do sit down.
emphatic/polite invitation
2Uses of the Imperative
The imperative has many uses: giving commands, instructions, directions, advice, offers, invitations, and even requests (when softened with 'please').
Examples
Stop! Don't move!
Stop! Don't move!
urgent command
Mix the flour and sugar together.
Mix the flour and sugar together.
recipe instruction
Have a nice day!
Have a nice day!
wish/expression
Take a seat and relax.
Take a seat and relax.
invitation
3Making Imperatives Polite
To make commands more polite, add 'please' at the beginning or end of the sentence. You can also use softening words like 'just' or phrase it as a question.
Polite Imperatives
| Direct | Polite |
|---|---|
| Wait here. | Please wait here. |
| Give me that. | Could you give me that? |
| Help me. | Please help me. |
| Be quiet. | Be quiet, please. |
Examples
Please close the window.
Please close the window.
please at start
Pass me the salt, please.
Pass me the salt, please.
please at end
Just wait a moment.
Just wait a moment.
just = softener
Do come in and make yourself comfortable.
Do come in and make yourself comfortable.
do = warm invitation
4Let's for Suggestions
Use 'let's' (let us) to make suggestions that include yourself and others. The negative is 'let's not' or 'don't let's' (British).
Examples
Let's go to the cinema.
Let's go to the cinema.
suggestion including speaker
Let's not argue about this.
Let's not argue about this.
negative suggestion
Let's take a break.
Let's take a break.
suggestion to the group
Let's not waste time.
Let's not waste time.
let's not + verb