Imperative tense in English



The imperative tense in English is used to give an order, a warning, an appeal, an advice, a suggestion, an instruction and in some cases a request to another person, to a group of people or to animals. It is very easy to form the imperative sentence: Simply take the verbs' infinitive form (without the "to" infinitive indicator). Usually the verb will be placed at the beginning of the sentence.

For example:
Close the door.
Give me the keys.

The above form is used if a person gives an order to another person or to a group of people. But if the imperative includes oneself in the group of people who receive the order the words "Let us" or "Let's" are added before the infinitive in the sentence.

For example:
Let's eat something, we are all hungry.
Let us be happy, we are all fine.

In order to create a negative form of an imperative, place "do not", "don't" or "let's not" in front of the infinitive form of the verb (again without "to").

For example:
Don't go, I need you here.
Let's not be sad, we are all fine.


The imperative form can also be used to make a request, if you add "please" to the imperative sentence. You can also add "Would you" instead or in addition to "please" (which can be a question or a polite order).

For example:
Please come, I need you there.
Please don't go, I need you here.


More examples:
Stand up when I speak to you (order)
Press the button in order to activate the machine (instruction)
Do not touch it, it is hot! (warning)
Take a left at the corner (advice, suggestion)



We can use the imperative to give a direct order.
1.   Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.
2.   Stand up straight.
3.   Give me the details.
We can use the imperative to give instructions.
1.   Open your book.
2.   Take two tablets every evening.
3.   Take a left and then a right.
We can use the imperative to make an invitation.
1.   Come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.
2.   Please start without me. I'll be there shortly.
3.   Have a piece of this cake. It's delicious.
We can use the imperative on signs and notices.
1.   Push.
2.   Do not use.
3.   Insert one dollar.
We can use the imperative to give friendly informal advice.
1.   Speak to him. Tell him how you feel.
2.   Have a quiet word with her about it.
3.   Don't go. Stay at home and rest up. Get some sleep and recover.
We can make the imperative 'more polite' by adding 'do'.
  1. Do be quiet.
  2. Do come.
  3. Do sit down.

    Author views
    How was my lesson please tell me  ( mera lesson kaisa tha majhey zarror bataye ga )
If there is any mistake you can tell me ( ager kahi galati ho app majhey bata sakte hai)
 Share my blog with your friends ( mera blog apne dosto k saath share karey) 
Silent Tears
Nobody Is Perfect and I am Nobody

Related Posts

Subscribe Our Newsletter