Imperative sentences are an important aspect of the English language and are used to convey commands, requests, instructions, or advice. They are sentences that express a direct order or a strong suggestion, and they often begin with a verb. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of imperative sentences, along with examples and usage tips to help beginners understand this grammatical structure.
Definition of Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences are sentences that give a command, request, or instruction. They are used to tell someone what to do or how to do something. Imperative sentences are formed using the base form of a verb, which is also known as the infinitive form. In most cases, the subject of an imperative sentence is implied and is usually “you.” However, the subject can be explicitly mentioned for emphasis or clarity.
Structure of Imperative Sentences
The structure of imperative sentences is relatively simple. The main characteristic of an imperative sentence is that it begins with a verb in the base form. Depending on the sentence, the verb may be followed by an object or additional information. Here are a few examples of imperative sentences:
“Close the door.”
“Please pass the salt.”
“Take a deep breath.”
“Don’t forget your keys.”
“Be quiet during the presentation.”
In the examples above, the verbs “close,” “pass,” “take,” “forget,” and “be” are all in the base form and are followed by either an object or additional instructions. The verb form remains the same regardless of the subject, as imperative sentences are typically addressed to the listener as “you.”
Types of Imperative Sentences
a. Affirmative Imperative Sentences:
Affirmative imperative sentences are used to give positive commands or instructions. They tell someone what to do or how to do something. These sentences are formed using the base form of the verb. For example:
“Clean your room.”
“Eat your vegetables.”
“Go to bed early.”
b. Negative Imperative Sentences:
Negative imperative sentences are used to give commands or instructions by telling someone what not to do. They are formed using the base form of the verb, preceded by the word “don’t.” For example:
“Don’t touch the hot stove.”
“Don’t be late for the meeting.”
“Don’t forget to lock the door.”
c. Polite Imperative Sentences:
Polite imperative sentences are used to give commands or instructions in a more courteous and polite manner. They often include words such as “please” or “could you.” For example:
“Please pass me the book.”
“Could you close the window, please?”
“Would you mind turning off the lights?”
Usage and Examples
a. Commands:
Imperative sentences are commonly used to give commands or direct orders. They are straightforward and concise. Here are some examples:
“Sit down.”
“Stay quiet.”
“Study hard.”
“Listen carefully.”
b. Requests:
Imperative sentences can also be used to make requests. When requesting something, it is common to use the word “please” to make the sentence more polite. For example:
“Please help me carry this box.”
“Please lend me your pen.”
“Please call me back.”
c. Instructions:
Imperative sentences are frequently used to give instructions or guidance. They are helpful in providing step-by-step directions or explaining how to do something. Here are a few examples:
“Mix the ingredients in a bowl.”
“Turn left at the next intersection.”
“Press the power button to turn on the computer.”
Special Considerations
a. Subject Pronouns:
In most imperative sentences, the subject pronoun “you” is implied. However, it is also possible to explicitly mention the subject for emphasis or clarity. For example:
“You be careful while crossing the road.”
“Let’s go to the park together.”
b. Exclamatory Imperatives:
Imperative sentences can also be used to express strong emotions or exclamations. In these cases, the sentence usually ends with an exclamation mark. For example:
“Enjoy your vacation!”
“Have a great day!”
“Be careful!”
Conclusion
Imperative sentences play a vital role in English communication, allowing us to give commands, make requests, and provide instructions. They are concise and direct, and their structure is relatively simple, making them easy to understand and use. By mastering imperative sentences, beginners can effectively communicate their needs and desires, and engage in various forms of conversation. Remember to pay attention to the context and tone when using imperative sentences, as they can vary depending on the situation. With practice, you will become proficient in using imperative sentences in your everyday English conversations.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct form of the imperative sentence:
“__ the door, please.”
a) Close
b) Closed
c) Closing
d) Closes
Answer: a) Close
Explanation: The correct form of the imperative sentence is “Close the door, please.” The verb “close” is in the base form, which is used in imperative sentences to give a command or instruction.
Example sentence: “Close the window before you leave.”
Exercise 2:
Identify the type of imperative sentence:
“Please don’t forget to __ the lights when you leave.”
a) Close
b) Closed
c) Closing
d) Closes
Answer: a) Close
Explanation: The type of imperative sentence in this case is a negative imperative sentence. The word “don’t” is used to indicate that the action of closing the lights should not be done.
Example sentence: “Please don’t forget to turn off the oven before you go out.”
Exercise 3:
Complete the following imperative sentence:
“__ the book on the shelf.”
a) Put
b) Putting
c) Puts
d) Putted
Answer: a) Put
Explanation: The correct form of the imperative sentence is “Put the book on the shelf.” The verb “put” is in the base form, which is used in imperative sentences to give a command or instruction.
Example sentence: “Put the dishes in the dishwasher after dinner.”
Exercise 4:
Choose the polite form of the imperative sentence:
“__ me the salt, please.”
a) Pass
b) Passing
c) Passed
d) Passes
Answer: a) Pass
Explanation: The polite form of the imperative sentence is “Pass me the salt, please.” The word “please” is used to make the request more courteous.
Example sentence: “Could you pass me the remote control, please?”
Exercise 5:
Identify the type of imperative sentence:
“__ the ball into the goal!”
a) Kick
b) Kicked
c) Kicking
d) Kicks
Answer: a) Kick
Explanation: The type of imperative sentence in this case is an affirmative imperative sentence. It gives a positive command or instruction.
Example sentence: “Kick the ball with your left foot.”
Exercise 6:
Choose the correct form of the imperative sentence:
“__ late for the meeting.”
a) Don’t be
b) Doesn’t be
c) Isn’t being
d) Won’t be
Answer: a) Don’t be
Explanation: The correct form of the imperative sentence is “Don’t be late for the meeting.” The negative form is used to give a command or instruction not to do something.
Example sentence: “Don’t be rude to your classmates.”
Exercise 7:
Identify the type of imperative sentence:
“__ the cake for 30 minutes.”
a) Bake
b) Baked
c) Baking
d) Bakes
Answer: a) Bake
Explanation: The type of imperative sentence in this case is an instructional imperative sentence. It provides a step-by-step instruction on how to perform a task.
Example sentence: “Bake the cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.”
Exercise 8:
Complete the following imperative sentence:
“__ the TV off before you go to bed.”
a) Turn
b) Turning
c) Turns
d) Turned
Answer: a) Turn
Explanation: The correct form of the imperative sentence is “Turn the TV off before you go to bed.” The verb “turn” is in the base form, which is used in imperative sentences to give a command or instruction.
Example sentence: “Turn the music down, please.”
Exercise 9:
Choose the polite form of the imperative sentence:
“__ me a favor and pick up some milk on your way home.”
a) Do
b) Doing
c) Did
d) Done
Answer: a) Do
Explanation: The polite form of the imperative sentence is “Do me a favor and pick up some milk on your way home.” It uses a courteous tone and requests assistance.
Example sentence: “Could you do me a favor and water the plants while I’m away?”
Exercise 10:
Identify the type of imperative sentence:
“__ the question.”
a) Answer
b) Answered
c) Answering
d) Answers
Answer: a) Answer
Explanation: The type of imperative sentence in this case is an affirmative imperative sentence. It gives a positive command or instruction.
Example sentence: “Answer the phone when it rings.”
Originally posted 2023-07-18 21:37:23.