Imperatives

1. What are imperatives?

Imperatives are used to give instructions and commands, or make requests.

They are common in:

• instructions
• rules and warnings
• signs
• orders
• advice

2. Form

Positive imperatives

We use positive imperatives to tell someone to do something.

Base verb (+ object)

Example: (You) Open the door.

Examples

• Stand up.
• Write your name.
• Turn on the light.
• Look at the board.

Negative imperatives

We use negative imperatives to tell someone not to do something.

Don’t / Do not + base verb

Examples

• Don’t run.
• Don’t touch the hot pan.
• Don’t be late.
• Don’t forget your bag.

3. Imperatives for instructions

Examples

• Take two eggs.
• Add the sugar.
• Mix well.
• Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Polite imperatives

We can make imperatives more polite by adding:

• please

Examples

• Please sit down.
• Please open the window.
• Please listen.

The verb does not change.

5. Important notes

• Imperatives use the base verb
• No subject is needed
• Compare: ‘Sit down.’ (direct) / ‘Please sit down.’ (more polite). ‘Sit down’ is common in instructions (e.g., teachers, signs).