Imperatives helps you communicate about instructions, commands, warnings and inclusive suggestions. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can give instructions, warnings and suggestions using imperatives.
- Recognise and build the form: base verb; don't + base verb; let's + base verb.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Imperatives for instructions, commands, warnings and inclusive suggestions. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Close the door, please.
An affirmative imperative uses the base form of the verb.
Don't touch that wire; it is dangerous.
A negative imperative uses 'Don't + base verb'.
Then turn left at the traffic lights.
'Then turn left' gives the next step in a sequence of instructions.
base verb; don't + base verb; let's + base verbKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- An affirmative imperative uses the base form of the verb.
- A negative imperative uses 'Don't + base verb'.
- 'Then turn left' gives the next step in a sequence of instructions.
- The imperative of 'be' uses the base form 'Be'.
- Use 'Let's + base verb' to make an inclusive suggestion.
Common mistakes
Not:Closes the door, please.
Use:Close the door, please.
An affirmative imperative uses the base form of the verb.
Not:Not touch that wire; it is dangerous.
Use:Don't touch that wire; it is dangerous.
A negative imperative uses 'Don't + base verb'.
Not:Does turn left at the traffic lights.
Use:Then turn left at the traffic lights.
'Then turn left' gives the next step in a sequence of instructions.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
____ careful on the wet floor.
Be
The imperative of 'be' uses the base form 'Be'.
Let's ____ a short break.
take
Use 'Let's + base verb' to make an inclusive suggestion.
Please ____ your name at the top.
write
Polite instructions still use the base verb after 'please'.