Understanding Imperative Sentences

Understanding Imperative Sentences

Imperative Sentence

Learning Targets

I can define what is an Imperative Sentence.

I can analyze variations and functions of imperative sentence formats.

I can write a simple narrative using imperative sentences.

How can I effectively use imperative sentences in my daily interactions?

Essential

Question:

an imperative sentence gives advice or instructions; it can also express a request or command. These kinds of sentences are also known as directives because they provide direction to whoever is being addressed. They can end with a period or an exclamation point.

Imperative Sentence

The sentence can end with a period or an exclamation point. The command given can be positive or negative.

Example: Please be responsive during the online synchronous class.

Imperative sentences make a command

• The command given in an imperative sentence can be positive or negative, meaning it can be a “do” command or a “do not” command. In positive imperatives, the “do” is often implied, meaning the word “do” is not directly stated. In negative imperatives, the “do not” (or don’t) is stated directly.

• Example 1:

• Positive: Jump in the pool!

• Negative: Do not jump in the pool!

• Example 2:

• Positive: Slow down!

• Negative: Don’t drive so fast!

Positive and negative imperative sentences

Imperative verbs and the imperative mood

While verb tenses tell us when a verb occurred or will occur (past, present, future, etc.), verb moods tell us how that verb is expressed.

One of the verb moods is the imperative mood, which is the mood that forms a command. Imperative verbs often start imperative sentences.

For example,

• Stop!

• Give that back!

• Clean your room.

• Please change the channel.

Multiple Choice

The rainbow is gorgeous!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Take a picture of the rainbow!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

I missed the turn!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Turn left!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Don’t drink the water!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

This water tastes disgusting!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom! (From the movie Braveheart)

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Say hello to my little friend!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

You’re going to need a bigger boat!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Here’s Johnny!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

To infinity and beyond!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Run, Forrest, run!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

Don't believe me, just watch!

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Multiple Choice

"Don't stop believin', hold on to that feeling."

• Imperative

• Exclamatory

Functions of Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include:

• An invitation: Commands can be welcoming! When your friend says “Come over and play ML with me tomorrow” they are issuing a generous command: an invitation.

Functions of Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include:

• An order: This would be the work of that bossy sibling. “Get out of my room!” or “Tell Papa I’ll be home later.”

Functions of Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include:

• A request: Think of this as a more polite order. “Please pack enough clothing for the trip.”

Functions of Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include:

• An instruction: Learning how to bake at grandma’s house? She might say “Now mix in the chocolate chips,” as a command of instruction.

Functions of Imperative sentences

Imperative sentence can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include:

• An Advice or Warning: Good friends give honest advice—“Change your outfit”—and (hopefully) wise warnings: “Don’t go out with him (or her).”

Who is the subject of an Imperative Sentence?

​Every sentence has a subject and verb, and expresses a complete thought. The verb tells us what the subject is doing or what state of being the subject holds.

Imperative sentences give commands to a subject. So the subject in an imperative sentence is (you). Example: Buckle your seatbelt, please. Subject = (you), verb = buckle

Who is the subject of an Imperative Sentence?

​ Grammatically, the subject is (you) as it is for all imperative sentences, even if a specific audience is included in the statement.

Example:

1. Everyone hide!

2. Passengers, please remain seated.

3. Don’t speak in that tone, Pat.

In each of these examples, as with almost all imperative sentences, the command is given from the second-person point of view—the speaker is talking to (you)—and the subject is simply (you).

Open Ended

What questions do you have about Imperative Sentences?

Sources

• Nordquist, Richard. (2020, August 27). Definition and Examples of Imperative Sentences in English. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/imperative-sentence-grammar-1691152

• 40+ Examples of Imperative Sentences. (n.d.). 40+ Examples of Imperative Sentences; prowritingaid.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://prowritingaid.com/imperative-sentence