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A1 · Beginner

Imperatives

Learn how to form English imperatives to give clear instructions, commands, and requests, using the base verb form, in this A1 grammar lesson.

By the flumi team About 4 min read
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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

You often see imperatives on signs and notices:

  • Push
  • Do not enter
  • Keep off the grass
  • Please do not smoke

Form

Positive imperatives

We use positive imperatives to tell someone to do something.

Base verb (+ object)

Open the door. (The subject you is understood but normally not said.)

  • 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

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

Suggestions with “let’s”

Use let’s + base verb to suggest an action for the speaker and one or more other people. Let’s means let us.

Let’s + base verb

  • Let’s go.
  • Let’s start the lesson.
  • Let’s have lunch together.

For a negative suggestion, use let’s not + base verb.

  • Let’s not be late.

Imperatives for instructions

Recipes and step-by-step directions often use a series of positive imperatives. Start each step with the base verb; you do not need to repeat the subject you.

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

Polite imperatives

We can make imperatives more polite by adding please.

  • Please sit down.
  • Please open the window.
  • Please listen.
  • Sit down, please.
  • Close the door, please.

Please can go at the beginning or the end of an imperative. Both positions are correct.

When you speak directly to someone, a plain imperative can sound strong. Please makes it more polite. A question with could you …? is often softer.

  • Close the door. (direct command)
  • Please close the door. (polite request)
  • Could you close the door, please? (softer request)

Common Mistakes

Common mistake Correct form Rule
❌ To open the book. ✅ Open the book. Start a positive imperative with the base verb, without to.
❌ Opens the window. ✅ Open the window. Do not add -s to the imperative verb.
❌ Don’t to run. ✅ Don’t run. Use don’t + base verb.
❌ Let’s to go. ✅ Let’s go. Use let’s + base verb.
❌ Let’s don’t wait. ✅ Let’s not wait. Use let’s not for a negative suggestion.

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Quick Summary

Purpose Form Example
instruction or command base verb Turn on the light.
negative command don’t + base verb Don’t touch the pan.
polite request please + imperative Please sit down.
suggestion for a group let’s + base verb Let’s go.
negative suggestion let’s not + base verb Let’s not be late.

Remember: an imperative normally has no subject. A plain imperative is normal in instructions, recipes and signs, but it can sound too direct in conversation.

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Last updated October 14, 2026