Imperatives

Introduction

Imperative sentences are used for many reasons:

Reason	Example
to give advice or suggestions	Exercise four times a week. Don’t eat too much chocolate.
to give directions	Turn right at the bank and walk three blocks.
to give instructions	Cut the onions into small pieces and fry in oil. Save your document and put it in a new folder.
to give orders or commands	(Please) be quiet! Do your homework.
to give warnings	Watch out! Don’t drive after drinking.
to make a polite request	Please turn off the light, Mary. Close the window please, Janice.
to offer an informal invitation	Bring a friend to the party if you like. Join us for dessert, Cathy!

Notice that the subject of these sentences (you) is not written or spoken. It is the same for singular and plural subjects.

(You) turn left at the corner and drive two kilometers.

Sally and Mark, stand up please.

In order to make the negative form, simply say:

“Do not + simple verb...” or “Don’t + simple verb...”

Do not run across the road, children.

Don’t smoke in the airport please.

Be careful! Do not use the imperative in formal situations with an employer or a teacher. The imperative is too direct.

Come to lunch Mrs. Rivers. Wrong!

Would you like to join us at lunch, Mrs. Rivers? Good!

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.