What are imperatives?

Imperatives are commands, instructions, warnings, and requests. There is no subject — the subject (you) is always understood.

Command

Sit down.

Instruction

Turn left at the corner.

Warning

Watch out!

Polite request

Please close the door.

Positive imperatives

Use the base verb — no subject, no auxiliary

base verb

Open the window. · Come here. · Be quiet.

+ please

Please sit down. · Sit down, please.

Correct

Listen to me.

Close the door, please.

Wrong

You listen to me.

→ no subject in imperative

Please to close the door.

→ no "to" after please

Negative imperatives

Don't + base verb

Don't + base verb → Don't run in the corridor.

Don't (spoken)

Don't touch that!

Do not (formal)

Do not enter without permission. (signs)

Don't be late.

Do not use your phone here.

Common mistakes

Where learners go wrong most often

No touch the door!

→

Don't touch the door!

Negative imperative = don't + verb, never "no"

Please don't to push.

→

Please don't push.

Don't + base verb, no 'to'

Always being on time.

→

Always be on time.

Use base form, not -ing

Don't never shout.

→

Never shout. / Don't shout.

One negative word only

Let's — suggestion

Include yourself in the suggestion

Let's + base verb → Let's go to the cinema.

Let's (positive)

Let's eat something.

Let's not (negative)

Let's not talk about that.

Let's = let us — it includes YOU. Use it to suggest doing something together.

Your turn

Answer out loud — full sentences

Give instructions — positive and with don't.

Give directions from here to the door.

Tell a new student three rules for this class.

Give advice to a tourist in your town: Visit… Don't…

Tell someone how to make a cup of tea, step by step.

Recap

Positive

base verb

Open the door. Come here.

Polite

please + base / base + please

Please sit. / Sit, please.

Negative

Don't + base

Don't run. Don't be late.

Suggestion

Let's + base

Let's go! Let's eat.

Practice now →