Imperatives
Beginner (A1)en
Positive and negative commands (Sit down / Don’t run)
Imperatives (Giving Instructions, Commands & Requests)
1. What Are Imperatives?
Imperatives are used to tell, ask, or advice someone to do something.
Imperatives are used to tell, ask, or advice someone to do something.
They are common in:
- instructions
- rules and warnings
- signs
- orders
- advice
2. Imperative Form
Structure
Base verb (no subject)
We do not use a subject (I / you / we).
Examples
- Sit down.
- Open the door.
- Listen carefully.
- Come here.
3. Positive Imperatives (Do something)
We use positive imperatives to tell someone to do something.
Examples
- Stand up.
- Write your name.
- Turn on the light.
- Look at the board.
4. Negative Imperatives (Don’t do something)
We use negative imperatives to tell someone not to do something.
Structure
Do not (Don’t) + base verb
Examples
- Don’t run.
- Don’t touch the stove.
- Don’t be late.
- Don’t forget your bag.
5. Imperatives for Instructions
Common in:
Common in:
- recipes
- manuals
- directions
Examples
- Take two eggs.
- Add the sugar.
- Mix well.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Polite Imperatives
We can make imperatives more polite by adding:
We can make imperatives more polite by adding:
- please
Examples
- Please sit down.
- Please open the window.
- Please listen.
The verb does not change.
7. Important Notes
7. Important Notes
- Imperatives use the base verb
- No subject is needed
- Tone matters (imperatives can sound strong)
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic