FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use the imperative to give instructions, directions, warnings, commands, invitations, and simple advice.
Overview
Use the imperative to give instructions, directions, warnings, commands, invitations, and simple advice.
Form and rules
Use the base verb without a subject for a positive imperative: Sit down.
Use Don't + base verb for a negative imperative: Don't open the door.
Add please to make many instructions and requests more polite: Please wait here.
Use Let's + base verb to suggest doing something together: Let's start.
The subject you is normally understood and not said.
A closer look
Use the imperative to give instructions, directions, warnings, invitations, advice, and commands. The understood subject is usually you, so it is not normally written.
Positive imperatives begin with the base verb. Negative imperatives use Don't + base verb. Please can soften the instruction.
Examples
Turn right at the bank.
Please write your name here.
Don't touch the oven.
Come in and sit down.
Let's take a break.
Common mistakes
A normal imperative does not need the subject you.
Negative imperatives use Don't + base verb.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.