Sit down.
- Language
- English
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Modal verbs and imperatives
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Imperatives are sentences used to give orders, instructions, advice, or requests. In English, they usually start with the base form of a verb.
When to use it
Use imperatives in English to tell someone what to do, to give instructions, to make requests, or to give advice.
Key forms
- Use the base form of the verb: 'Open the door.'
- To make it negative, use 'Don't' + base verb: 'Don't run.'
Examples
Please be quiet.
Don't touch that.
Turn off the light.
Tips
- Imperatives do not use a subject (no 'you').
- Add 'please' to make the imperative more polite.
- Use 'Don't' at the beginning to make a negative imperative.
Exceptions and edge cases
- For strong advice or warnings, sometimes 'never' is used: 'Never give up.'
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