When do we use imperatives?
We use imperatives when we want to tell someone to do something. This can be:
- an order: Finish your food!
- a request: Open the door, please!
- directions: Go straight and turn right.
- permission: Can I sit here? --Yes, please do.
How do we use imperatives?
Use the verb without a subject:
- Sit down!
- Go there!
- Do your homework!
To negate imperatives, use do not / don't before the main verb:
- Don't drink that!
- Don't drive so fast!
- Don't hurt me!
In writing, imperative sentences usually (but not always) end with an exclamation mark.
Using the imperative by itself can sound rude. To be more polite, use 'please', or 'could/ would', etc.
- Give me an apple! → Please give me an apple.
- Pass the salt! → Could you pass the salt?
- Speak quietly! → Would you speak quietly?
