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Imperative
The imperative


![]() | Most of us have noticed that when we were pupils or even students, our teachers used a certain number of phrases or sentences in order to give orders, warnings, or some advice: 'Stop talking', 'Open your books' ' Be quiet' ' Revise your lessons' and so on! |
The form: To form the imperative, we usually use the base form of the verb without 'To'. Example: Go, Open, Close etc. Also, It's very important to notice that the command is given to you (Either singular or plural). The base form of the verb is preceded by 'Let' in the first and third person commands, and followed by: me, it,him, her, us, them.
Example:
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-Close that window, please. | ![]() | The command is given to one person (Male or female). |
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Get out of here! | ![]() ![]() | This command is given to two or a group of people (Three or more people) |
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Let's (us) go and have some fun! | ![]() | We can also say: Let me/it/him/her/us/them go..... |
Affirmative form | Base form of the verb + Object | ![]() | Open the door. |
Let+ me/it/him/her/us/them+Base form of the verb | ![]() | Let me go to Peter's party, please! | |
Negative form | Do + Not + Base form of the verb + Object | ![]() | Do not (don't) smoke in public places like hospitals. |
Let+ me/it/him/her/us/them+Not+Base form of the verb | ![]() | Let's (us) not make noise! | |
Note | We can also use: Don't (do not)+ Let+me/it/him/her/us/them+Base form of the verb | ![]() | Don't let him go out tonight! |
Using the imperative form: The imperative can be used to give direct orders, warnings, instructions, advice, requests, invitations, and also to make suggestions.
Sentences with the imperative | The meaning | |
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- Come tonight to celebrate Peter's 18th birthday. |
Invitation |
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- Put your hands up! |
Order |
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- Please, keep off the grass|Keep off the grass, please. |
Public notice |
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- Mix flour and sugar. |
Instruction |
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- Don't ( do not) worry, take it easy. |
Suggestion |
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- Take the first left onto Pine street and continue for three blocks. |
Direction |
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- Don't touch that electric wire again! |
Warning |
![]() | - Give me that pen, please| Please give me that pen. | Request |
Note: Sometimes, it's better to use the word 'please' at the beginning or at the end of the sentence in order to make the request sound more polite.
Example:
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Please sign and date the exam sheet. |
Sign and date the exam sheet, please. |

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