Imperatives
Imperatives are used to give commands, instructions, requests, and advice. They are the simplest verb form in English — just the base verb, with no subject needed.
What is an imperative?
An imperative is a sentence that tells someone to do something. It uses the base form of the verb and the subject you is always understood but not stated. Imperatives can be positive (do something) or negative (don't do something).
Open your books. · Sit down, please. · Don't touch that!
Turn left at the corner. · Add the eggs and mix well.
Be careful. · Have a good trip!
Forming imperatives
| Type | Structure | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Base verb (+ object/complement) | Sit down. Close the door. Be quiet. |
| Negative | Don't + base verb | Don't shout. Don't be late. Don't touch. |
| Polite (with please) | Please + base verb or base verb + please | Please wait here. Sit down, please. |
| Inclusive (let's) | Let's + base verb | Let's go. Let's have lunch. Let's not argue. |
Uses of imperatives
- Commands: Stop! Come here! Put that down!
- Instructions: Press the button. Add 200g of flour. Turn off the engine.
- Requests (with please): Please close the window. Pass me the salt, please.
- Advice and suggestions: Take an umbrella — it might rain. Try the pasta, it's delicious.
- Warnings: Watch out! Be careful on that step. Don't open that door!
- Invitations: Come in! Help yourself. Make yourself at home.
Adding emphasis with "do"
Adding do before a positive imperative makes it more emphatic or persuasive, often expressing encouragement or mild insistence.
Do sit down — you must be exhausted.
Do try the cake — I made it myself!
Do be careful on the roads tonight.
Naming the subject for emphasis or clarity
Normally, the subject of an imperative is understood to be you and is omitted. But the subject can be stated for emphasis or to single out a specific person.
You — wait here. Everyone else, follow me.
Maria, hand in your essay by Friday.
Nobody move! (addressing a group)
Let's — inclusive imperatives
Let's (= let us) is used to include the speaker in the command or suggestion. The negative is let's not.
Let's take a break — we've been working for hours.
Let's not waste any more time.
Let's meet at seven. Does that work?
Imperatives can sound rude without softeners: Give me that! sounds demanding; Could you give me that, please? is polite. Adding please, do, or a softening phrase like why don't you… makes imperatives much more courteous in everyday speech.
Tip: Imperatives have no tense — they always use the base form. Be is the imperative of to be: Be quiet. Be careful. Don't be late. Don't confuse this with the present tense: You are quiet ≠ Be quiet!