English Imperative Mood – Eduma English

Summary

The imperative is a grammatical mood that is used to give commands, instructions or advice. It typically begins with the base form of the verb and directly addresses the listener, often omitting the subject.

In-depth Explanation

How to Form the Imperative

Sentences in the imperative typically do not include a subject because the subject is understood to be “you” (the person or persons being spoken to).

Commands

To give a command, just use the base form (infinitive) of the verb without adding “to.” For example:

Close the window.

Eat your vegetables.

You can make the imperative more polite by adding “please” before the imperative verb or at the end of the sentence.

Please pass the salt. or Pass the salt, please.

Please be quiet. or Be quiet, please.

Adverbs can be placed before or after the imperative verb to make the command more specific.

Please finish your homework quickly.

Quickly finish your homework, please.

Negative Commands

To make an imperative statement negative, start with “do not” (or “don’t“) followed by the base form of the verb. The rest of the imperative statement stays the same.

Do not touch the artwork.

Don’t forget your umbrella.

Suggestions and Invitations

Use “let’s” followed by the base form of the verb to suggest or invite someone to do something together. The rest of the imperative statement stays the same.

Let’s go for a walk.

Let’s meet for coffee.

When to Use the Imperative Mood

Here are the most common situations where the imperative is used.

Giving commands or direct orders: These sentences are straightforward and usually quite firm.

Sit down.

Please turn off the lights.

Don’t ask me again!

Making requests: These are slightly less direct and more polite than giving commands.

Please pass the salt.

Please help me with this.

Send me the recipe, please.

Giving instructions or directions: These are used to guide someone through steps or actions they need to take.

Bake the cake for 45 minutes.

Please fill in the form with your details.

Turn left in front of the bank and keep walking for three blocks.

Offering suggestions: These are also more polite and less direct than giving commands.

Let’s go for a walk.

Try the new restaurant downtown.

Order the shrimp pasta.

Warning or advising: These are often used in official documents such as safety cards and signs or product warnings.

Watch out for the step.

Don’t touch the hot surface.

Be careful!