Imperatives

Reference

Common mistakes

1. No touch the door! → Don't touch the door!
   Negative imperative = don't + verb, never "no"
2. Please don't to push. → Please don't push.
   Don't + base verb, no 'to'
3. Always being on time. → Always be on time.
   Use base form, not -ing
4. Don't never shout. → Never shout. / Don't shout.
   One negative word only

Imperatives — Exercises

Choose the correct imperative

1. _____ your book to page 10. (Open / Opens / You open)
2. _____ by the pool — it's dangerous! (Don't run / Not run / No run)
3. _____ have lunch together. (suggestion) (Let's / Let we / Lets)
4. _____ your hands before dinner. (Wash / Washing / You wash)
5. _____ so much TV. (negative advice) (Don't watch / Not watch / No watching)
6. _____ me after work. (instruction) (Call / To call / Calling)
7. _____ late! The film starts at 8. (Don't be / Be not / Not be)
8. _____ down and relax. (invitation) (Sit / Sitting / To sit)

Write the imperative

1. Tell someone to close the door: _____ the door. 
2. Tell someone not to eat in class: _____ in class. 
3. Suggest going to the park together: _____ to the park! 
4. Tell someone to be quiet: _____ quiet! 
5. Tell someone not to forget: _____ forget! 
6. Suggest watching a film: _____ a film! 

Imperatives — Answer Key

Choose the correct imperative

1. Open — Imperative = bare infinitive: Open your book.
2. Don't run — Negative imperative: Don't + bare infinitive.
3. Let's — Let's + verb = suggestion or invitation to do something together.
4. Wash — Imperative = bare infinitive: Wash your hands.
5. Don't watch — Negative imperative: Don't watch so much TV.
6. Call — Imperative = base verb, no subject: Call me after work.
7. Don't be — Negative with to be: Don't be late.
8. Sit — Imperative = bare infinitive: Sit down.

Write the imperative

1. Close
2. Don't eat
3. Let's go
4. Be
5. Don't
6. Let's watch