Imperative Sentences in English
In this lesson, we will learn how imperative sentences are used in English. We use them to give commands, make requests, give advice, give instructions, and make suggestions. The explanation is simple, friendly, and completed with practice.
What will you learn?
- What an imperative sentence is
- The form and use of imperative sentences
- Positive and negative imperative sentences
- Imperatives with please, don’t, and let’s
- Practice exercises with answer keys
1. Introduction
In our daily activities, language takes an important role. We use language to communicate with other people. Through language, we can express our ideas, views, feelings, and needs. Without language, it will be difficult for us to share what we think and what we feel.
Language also helps us organize social activities. We use it at home, at school, at work, and in public places. For example, we use language when we ask for help, give information, explain something, or ask someone to do something.
Talking about language, there are many definitions of language. Wardhaugh states that language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. Hornby also explains that language is a system of sounds and words used by people to express their thoughts and feelings. From these ideas, we can say that language is an instrument to express ideas, feelings, and thoughts.
An imperative expression is used when someone wants to ask another person to do something or not to do something. Because of that, imperative expressions are very important in daily conversation. We can find them in the classroom, at home, in public signs, in recipes, in manuals, and in many other situations.
Since English is used as a foreign language in many countries, including Indonesia, it is useful for learners to know how imperative sentences work in English. This lesson focuses on the form and use of imperative sentences in English.
2. What Is an Imperative Sentence?
An imperative sentence is a sentence used to tell or ask people what to do. It can also be used to make suggestions, give advice, give instructions, encourage someone, offer something, or express wishes for someone’s welfare.
- Look in the mirror before you drive off.
- Try again. You nearly did it.
- Open your book.
- Please sit down.
- Don’t be late.
In simple words, imperative sentences usually start with the base form of a verb. The subject you is usually not written because it is already understood.
Example: Open your book. / Listen carefully. / Be quiet.
Command
Close the door.
Request
Please help me.
Advice
Be careful.
3. Positive and Negative Imperatives
Imperative expressions can be divided into two simple types: positive imperative and negative imperative.
| Type | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Imperative | It asks someone to do something. |
Open the window. Read the instruction. Listen to your teacher. |
| Negative Imperative | It asks someone not to do something. |
Don’t open the window. Don’t touch the cable. Don’t forget your homework. |
Example: Don’t wait. / Don’t run. / Don’t be noisy.
4. The Form and Use of Imperative Sentences
Based on the traditional explanation, imperative sentences can be discussed in three parts: the second person imperative, the first person imperative, and the third person imperative.
A. The Second Person Imperative
The second person imperative is the most common imperative form in English. It has the same form as the bare infinitive or the base form of the verb.
- Hurry!
- Wait!
- Stop!
- Eat your dinner, boys.
- Be quiet, Tom.
The person addressed is often not mentioned. For example, when we say Open the door, the subject you is not written, but the meaning is clear: You open the door.
Sometimes, a noun can be added to show who is being addressed.
- Eat your dinner, boys.
- Be quiet, Tom.
- Listen carefully, students.
The pronoun you is not usually used in an imperative sentence. It can sound rude if the speaker is angry, but it can also be used to make a contrast.
- You go on; I’ll wait.
- You take the left side, and I’ll take the right side.
B. Imperative with “Do”
The word do can be placed before an affirmative imperative. It can make the sentence sound more persuasive, more emotional, or sometimes a little irritated depending on the context.
- Do hurry.
- Do be quiet.
- Do come in.
C. The First Person Imperative with “Let’s”
The first person imperative is commonly formed with Let us or Let’s + base verb. In daily English, let’s is more common and more natural.
- Let’s go together this afternoon.
- Let’s study English grammar.
- Let’s take a short break.
- Let’s try again.
For the negative form, we can use Let’s not + base verb.
- Let’s not be late.
- Let’s not talk during the test.
- Let’s not forget the meeting.
D. The Third Person Imperative
The third person imperative can be formed with Let him / Let her / Let them + base verb. However, this construction is not very common in modern everyday English.
- Let him speak.
- Let her explain.
- Let them go by train.
In many situations, English speakers may use other forms that sound more natural.
| Less common | More common / natural |
|---|---|
| Let them go by train. | They should go by train. / They must go by train. |
| Let him not enter the room. | He must not enter the room. / He is not allowed to enter the room. |
5. How to Make Imperatives More Polite
Imperative sentences can sound direct. To make them more polite, we can add please. We can put please at the beginning or at the end of the sentence.
Direct
Open the door.
Polite
Please open the door.
Also polite
Open the door, please.
Practice 1: Identify the Function
Read each sentence. Is it a command, request, advice, instruction, or suggestion? Click “Show answer” to check your answer.
1. Please sit down.
Show answer
2. Don’t touch the hot pan.
Show answer
3. Mix the flour and sugar in a bowl.
Show answer
4. Let’s study together after class.
Show answer
Practice 2: Complete the Sentences
Complete the imperative sentences using the best word from the box.
1. ______ your book on page 10.
Show answer
2. ______ carefully to the audio.
Show answer
3. ______ your homework.
Show answer
4. ______ careful when you cross the street.
Show answer
5. ______ practice English every day.
Show answer
Practice 3: Make It More Polite
Change the direct imperative into a more polite sentence. You can use please.
1. Close the window.
Show possible answer
2. Wait here.
Show possible answer
3. Send me the file.
Show possible answer
Practice 4: Write Your Own Imperatives
Now, try to write your own imperative sentences.
- Write one command for the classroom.
- Write one polite request for your friend.
- Write one advice sentence for a student.
- Write one suggestion using let’s.
1. Open your dictionary.
2. Please help me with this exercise.
3. Don’t study too late at night.
4. Let’s review the lesson together.
6. Conclusion
English is an international language used in many countries around the world. To communicate well in English, learners need to understand not only vocabulary and grammar, but also expressions used in daily communication.
One important expression is the imperative expression. Imperative sentences are used to tell or ask people what to do, make suggestions, give advice, give instructions, encourage someone, offer something, and express good wishes.
In English, imperative sentences usually use the base form of the verb. For negative imperatives, we use don’t. To make an imperative more polite, we can add please. We can also use let’s when we want to make a suggestion or invite people to do something together.
References
Chaer, Abdul. 2000. Tata Bahasa Praktis Bahasa Indonesia. Jakarta: Rineka Cipta.
Hornby, A. S. 1995. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Swan, Michael. 1996. Practical English Usage. New York: Oxford University Press.
Thomson, A. J., & Martinet, A. V. 1986. A Practical English Grammar. New York: Oxford University Press.
Wardhaugh, Ronald. 1977. Introduction to Linguistics. Toronto: University of Toronto.
Comments
Post a Comment