Imperatives
An imperative tells someone what to do. Use it for instructions, warnings and requests. It starts with a verb. Use the verb without -s, -ing or to: open, go, listen.
Structure
- Positive: verb. Example: Open the door.
- Negative: Don't + verb. Example: Don't touch that. The long form is do not: Do not run.
- With be: Be or Don't be. Examples: Be quiet. Don't be late.
- Let's: Let's + verb. It means you and me. Example: Let's go.
How the Grammar Works
- Choose the verb. Think about the action. Example: listen.
- Put the verb first. Do not add -s, -ing or to. Example: Listen carefully.
- For a negative, put don't before the verb. Example: Don't run.
- With be, use be. Do not use am, is or are. Example: Be careful.
- Leave out you. We usually do not say the subject. Example: Close the door.
Common Use Cases
- Instructions: Turn left here.
- Warnings: Be careful!
- Requests: Pass the salt, please.
- Suggestions: Try this book.
Imperatives can sound rude without please. Add please to be polite: Open the window, please.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Adding -s: Opens the door. is wrong. Say: Open the door.
- Adding to: To open the door. is wrong. Say: Open the door.
- Wrong negative: No touch that. is wrong. Say: Don't touch that.
- Am, is or are: Are quiet. is wrong. Say: Be quiet.
- Using you: We usually leave out you. Say: Close the door.
Comparison with Related Grammar
You close the door. is a statement. It says what you do. Close the door. tells someone to do it. Sometimes people add you to make a command stronger, but this can sound rude. Let's go. includes the speaker. Go. does not.
Example Sentences
- Turn off the lights.
- Don't forget your keys.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Do not enter this room.
- Eat some fruit.
- Be careful!
- Let's go home.
- Open the window, please.
When to Use This Rule
Use imperatives to tell people what to do. Use don't to say what not to do.