Imperatives

USE

The imperative form is used when giving instructions, orders, and warnings. To give instructions in signs and notices, must is usually used.

 

FORM

  1. A subject is not necessary when giving orders.

You finish your food. => Finish your food.

Do not use the infinitive to.

To go on please. => Go on please.

 

Use Don’t for the negative form.

Don’t enter the room without permission!

 

  1. Do not use contraction in written instructions on signs.

Don’t cross the street. . => Do not cross the street.

 

  1. When giving friendly instructions, use ‘you’ to soften the way the order is given. This is normally only done in spoken English.

First, you wash your face and then you use a toner. Then you moisturize.

 

  1. Must / Must not are often used in written signs.

All guests must register.

Test takers must not talk to each other.

 

COMMON MISTAKE

Using to after Don’t / Must

Don’t to feed the animals.  => Don’t feed the animals.

 

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