Imperative

The Imperative in English is used to give commands, instructions, suggestions, or invitations directly to someone. It usually addresses the listener (second person), but it can also include the speaker (using “let’s”).

Mood:

The Imperative uses the imperative mood, which expresses direct requests, instructions, or orders.

• Mood: Imperative (used to instruct, request, or command)

Usage:

• To give direct commands:
  Close the door.
• To give instructions:
  Turn left at the traffic lights.
• To make suggestions or invitations:
  Let’s go to the park.
• To offer encouragement:
  Keep going!
• To give warnings:
  Watch out!

Formation:

• Affirmative imperative: Use the base form of the verb (no subject).
  • Stop!
  • Read this book.
• Negative imperative: Use do not / don’t + base form.
  • Don’t touch that.
  • Do not enter.

Variations:

• Let’s + base verb for first person plural suggestions:
  • Let’s start the meeting.
• Let + object + base verb for third person commands (formal/literary):
  • Let him speak.
  • Let there be light.

Examples:

• Sit down, please. (command softened with “please”)
• Don’t forget your keys. (negative command)
• Turn off the lights when you leave. (instruction)
• Let’s take a break. (suggestion including the speaker)
• Let the children play outside. (third person command)

Notes:

• The subject “you” is understood but not stated: Open the window = “(You) open the window.”
• The imperative can be softened with words like please or by using polite intonation.
• In written English, exclamation marks are common with imperatives, but in formal writing a period is also acceptable.