Imperative Sentences: Definition, Examples, Usage and Practise Problems

Imperative sentences are a type of sentence used to give commands, make requests, or offer instructions. They are essential in everyday communication as they direct the listener or reader to take specific actions.

1. Verb-Centric: Imperative sentences typically start with the base form of a verb. For example, "Stop," "Please close the door," and "Read this book."

2. Implied Subject: The subject of imperative sentences is usually implied rather than explicitly stated. The subject is understood to be "you," making sentences like "Sit down" imply "You sit down."

3. Politeness and Tone: These sentences can be softened or made more polite with words like "please" or "kindly." For instance, "Please turn off the lights" is a more courteous way to make a request.

4. Negative Form: To express a prohibition or negative command, the words "don't" or "do not" are used. For example, "Don't touch that" or "Do not enter."

Lets Structure the Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentence Structure: Imperative sentences are used to issue commands, requests, or instructions. They have a straightforward structure, which generally includes the following components:

1. Base Form of the Verb: Imperative sentences typically start with the base form of a verb, which is the verb without any endings or modifications (e.g., "Go," "Stop," "Please").

2. Subject: The subject is often implied and not explicitly stated. In most cases, the subject is "you," but it is understood rather than mentioned (e.g., "Close the door" implies "You close the door").

3. Object (Optional): If the action requires an object, it follows the verb (e.g., "Send me the report").

4. Modifiers (Optional): Adverbs, adjectives, or additional phrases can be added to modify the verb or provide more details (e.g., "Speak softly" or "Please, finish the assignment quickly").

5. Politeness (Optional): To make commands or requests more polite, words like "please" or "kindly" can be included (e.g., "Please sit down").

Examples

• Basic Command: "Close the door."

• Verb: Close

• Object: the door

Types of Imperative Sentences with Examples

Imperative sentences can indeed be divided into two main categories based on their nature:

1. Positive Imperative Sentences

These sentences give a direct command, request, or instruction without expressing any prohibition. They often start with the base form of a verb and can include polite expressions to soften the command.

Examples:

• "Please close the window."

• "Turn off the lights."

• "Come here."

• "Enjoy your meal."

2. Negative Imperative Sentences

These sentences instruct someone not to do something, expressing prohibition or a negative command. They are formed by adding "don't" or "do not" before the base form of the verb.

Examples:

• "Don’t touch that."

• "Do not enter this room."

• "Please don’t be late."

• "Don’t forget to call me."

These categories help clarify the intention behind imperative sentences, whether it’s to instruct someone to perform an action (positive) or to refrain from doing something (negative).

3. Conditional Imperative Sentences

Another type of imperative sentence is the conditional imperative sentence. These sentences include a conditional clause and are generally structured as complex sentences.

For instance:

• "If you believe you might be late, request your brother to give you a lift."

• "Call me when you arrive home."

• "Don’t attempt it unless you wish to redo everything."

Understand the Uses of Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences serve various functions in communication, each tailored to convey specific instructions or requests.

Imperative Sentence Examples

1. Giving Commands:

• "Close the door."

• "Finish your homework."

2. Making Requests:

• "Please send me the details."

• "Could you help me with this task?"

3. Offering Advice:

• "Drink plenty of water."

• "Take a deep breath and relax."

4. Providing Instructions:

• "Preheat the oven to 180°C."

• "Add two cups of flour and mix well."

5. Giving Warnings:

• "Watch out for the icy patch."

• "Don’t touch the hot stove."

6. Issuing Prohibitions:

• "Do not enter the restricted area."

• "No eating in the classroom."

7. Making Invitations:

• "Join us for dinner tonight."

• "Come to the meeting at 3 PM."

8. Offering Help:

• "Let me carry those bags for you."

• "Ask if you need any assistance."

9. Giving Encouragement:

• "Keep going; you’re doing great!"

• "Don’t give up now."

10. Setting Rules:

• "Turn off your phone during the movie."

• "Respect others' opinions."

Test your Knowledge of Imperative Sentences

1. Choose the imperative sentence from the following options:

1. She likes to read novels.

2. Please send the report by Monday.

3. The cat is sleeping on the couch.

2. Convert the following statements into imperative sentences:

1. You should close the window.

2. It is important to finish your meal.

3. You need to be quiet in the library.

3. Determine whether the following imperative sentences are commands, requests, or instructions:

1. "Pass me the sugar, please."

2. "Clean your room before dinner."

3. "Don’t touch the wet paint."

4. Complete each imperative sentence using an appropriate verb:

1. "____ (Be) careful while crossing the street."

2. "____ (Please, provide) your feedback by Friday."

3. "____ (Take) your shoes off before entering."

5. Turn the following positive imperative sentences into negative ones:

1. "Open the door."

2. "Finish your assignment."

3. "Turn off the lights."

6. Identify the function of each imperative sentence:

1. "Don’t forget to call me when you arrive." (Request/Command/Prohibition)

2. "Please, sit down." (Request/Command/Advice)

3. "Take a left turn at the traffic light." (Instruction/Prohibition/Request)

7. Correct the following imperative sentences to ensure they are grammatically accurate:

1. "Don’t forget to bring your umbrella." (Correct)

2. "Close door quietly." (Correct the sentence)

3. "Turn on the TV, quickly!" (Correct the sentence)

8. Create a conditional imperative sentence based on the given condition:

1. If you want to join the club, ____ (sign up now).

2. When you finish your homework, ____ (call me).

3. Unless you’re feeling sick, ____ (come to the party).

9. Match each imperative sentence to its appropriate type:

1. "Close the book when you’re done." (Command/Request/Advice)

2. "Do not enter the construction site." (Prohibition/Request/Invitation)

3. "Join us for a movie night." (Invitation/Advice/Instruction)

10. Translate the following statements into imperative sentences:

1. "You should start studying now."

2. "It would be helpful if you could answer these questions."

3. "It is necessary to arrive early for the meeting."

Find Out if you Got them All Right from the Answers Below.

1. Identify the Imperative Sentence:

b) Please send the report by Monday.

2. Rewrite as an Imperative Sentence:

a) Close the window.

b) Finish your meal.

c) Be quiet in the library.

3. Classify the Type:

a) "Pass me the sugar, please." – Request

b) "Clean your room before dinner." – Command

c) "Don’t touch the wet paint." – Prohibition

4. Complete the Sentence:

a) Be careful while crossing the street.

b) Please provide your feedback by Friday.

c) Take your shoes off before entering.

5. Form Negative Imperative Sentences:

a) Don’t open the door.

b) Don’t finish your assignment.

c) Don’t turn off the lights.

6. Identify the Function:

a) "Don’t forget to call me when you arrive." – Request

b) "Please, sit down." – Request

c) "Take a left turn at the traffic light." – Instruction

7. Correct the Imperative Sentence:

a) Correct (No correction needed)

b) Close the door quietly.

c) Turn on the TV quickly.

8. Form Conditional Imperatives:

a) If you want to join the club, sign up now.

b) When you finish your homework, call me.

c) Unless you’re feeling sick, come to the party.

9. Match the Imperative Sentence:

a) "Close the book when you’re done." – Command

b) "Do not enter the construction site." – Prohibition

c) "Join us for a movie night." – Invitation

10. Translate to Imperative Form:

a) Start studying now.

b) Answer these questions.

c) Arrive early for the meeting.

Takeaways from this Page

• Imperative sentences issue commands, requests, advice, or instructions. They are designed to prompt specific actions from the listener or reader.

• These sentences include a conditional clause, providing commands based on certain conditions (e.g., "If you need help, let me know").

• Imperative sentences are versatile, and used for various purposes including giving orders, making polite requests, providing instructions, offering advice, and setting rules.

• Positive imperatives generally start with the base form of the verb, while negative imperatives use "don't" or "do not" before the base form.