Imperatives tell people what to do.
The root form of the verb alone can sometimes create imperative sentences.
Examples:
“Stop!”
“Shoot!”
“Fire!”
To make the imperative, use the root form of the verb.
Examples:
“Stay right there!”
“Take out the trash.”
“Pass me the salt, please.”
Negative imperative simply adds “do not” before the verb.
Examples:
“Don’t go there.”
“Don’t jump!”
“Don’t stay up late.”
If the speaker is included in the imperative, you can use “let’s” or “let us” before the verb.
Examples:
“Let’s dance.”
“Let’s go now.”
“Let us do it.”
Determining Imperative Sentences
Most imperative sentences end with a period or an exclamation mark.
Usually, command/imperative verbs are at the start of the sentences.
Examples:
“Take care!”
“Be brave.”
“Listen to me.”
Imperative sentences generally do not have a grammatical subject because it always take the second person (you) for the subject.
Imperatives are used for many different reasons.
- To give orders or commands.
Examples:
“Get out!”
“Stay where you are.”
“Do not make a sound.”
- To give warnings or instructions.
Examples:
“Watch out!”
“Keep going straight.”
“Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.”
- To give advice.
Examples:
“You don’t look well. Go see a doctor.”
“Make sure to settle your bills on time.”
“Don’t worry about her.“
- Making a request or wish.
Examples:
“Please wait outside.”
“Please follow the rules.”
“Have fun at the party!“
Special Cases of Imperative
With “do”
We add “do” before the imperative to make the sentence more polite.
Examples:
“Do make yourself at home.”
“Do understand the situation.”
“Do let go.”
With never, ever, always
Just like “do”, the words never, ever and always come before imperatives.
Examples:
“Never do that again.”
“Don’t ever talk back to your parents.”
“Always remember that.”
Imperative with subject
Sometimes imperative clearly includes the subject.
Examples:
“Somebody answer the door!”
“You stay out of it!”
“Everybody run!”