IMPERATIVES

IMPERATIVES

We use imperative clauses when we want to tell someone to do or not to do something (most commonly for advice, suggestions, requests, commands, orders or instructions).

- Have fun.

- Enjoy your meal.

- Stop talking and open your books.

- Don’t be late.

They usually don’t have a subject – they are addressed to the listener or listeners, who the speaker understands to be the subject.

To make the imperative, use the infinitive of the verb without ‘to’:

- “Come here!”

- “Sit down!”

To make a negative imperative, put “do not” or “don’t” before the verb:

- “Don’t go!”

- “Do not walk on the grass.”

You can also use “let’s” before the verb if you are including yourself in the imperative:

- “Let’s stop now.”

- “Let’s have some lunch.”

The negative of “let’s” is “let’s not”:

- “Let’s not argue!

- “Let’s not tell her about it.”

Orders

Here are some orders you could give your pet dog:

- “Come here!”

- “Sit!”

Warnings

You can use the imperative to warn someone of danger

- “Watch out!”

- “Look out!”

- “Don’t cross!

Advice

When you give advice using the imperative.

- “Eat an apple – it’s much better for you than a biscuit!”

Requests

You can also use the imperative to make a request, but you should use a polite word before the verb:

- “Please take a seat.”

- “Please wait here.”

- “Please hold the line.”

- “Please don’t smoke here.”

Imperatives and infinitives

We normally use infinitives after imperatives to give a negative suggestion.

- Try not to take too long.

Notice that 'to' is placed after 'not'.

Multiple Choice

What’s the imperative that matches this picture?

• Don't talk.

• The baby is unhappy.

• Don't crying.

• Don’t cry.

Multiple Choice

What imperative statement do you make?

• Don't sit.

• Let's stand up.

• Don't sit down.

• Sit down.

Multiple Choice

Which imperative gives a warning?

• Be careful!

• Eat!

• Get up!

• I’m not hungry.

Multiple Choice

Which Imperative gives directions?

• Stop! Sit down.

• Open the door.

• Go to the kitchen and turn right for the bathroom.

• Have some cake.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form of an imperative

• Practicing to be better.

• She practices to be better.

• Practice to be better.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form of an imperative

• Didn´t yell.

• No yell.

• Don´t yell.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• Please hold the line.

• You please hold the line.

• Please holding the line.

Multiple Choice

• I'm number 1.
• Be quiet.
• Keep talking.
• Let's quiet.

Multiple Choice

__________ your mobiles.

• Turn off

• Don't turn off

• Turn on

• Not use

Multiple Choice

__________ football here!

• Doesn't play

• Isn't playing

• Don't play

• No play

Multiple Choice

__________ in the lake!

• Don't swim

• Swim

• Swimming

• Swims