🗣️ The Imperative – Form & Use
🧩 Form
The imperative uses the base form of the verb (infinitive without to) and does not include a subject.
✅ Open the window. | Write your name.
To make the negative imperative, use “do not” or “don’t” + base verb:
🚫 Don’t run. | Do not touch the hot pan.
📌 Uses
🟡 Instructions
- Open your book.
- Listen and repeat.
- Circle the correct answer.
🔴 Orders
- Stop!
- Be quiet!
- Come here.
🔸 Offers & Invitations
- Have some water.
- Come and sit with us.
🔹 Advice
- Drink more water.
- Take an umbrella.
- Study a little every day.
🟣 Warnings
- Don’t touch the stove.
- Please, don’t cross the street here.
🤝 Let’s – Making Suggestions
Use let’s + base verb to make a suggestion, or let’s not + verb to suggest not doing something:
- 💡 It’s sunny. Let’s go to the park.
- 😴 It’s late. Let’s not stay up too long.
✅ Summary
Imperatives are used to give instructions, commands, advice, offers, invitations, and warnings. They use the base form of the verb with no subject.
Positive: “Close the door.”
Negative: “Don’t shout.”
Suggestions: “Let’s eat.” / “Let’s not be late.”
Exercises:
The Imperative – Form & Use
Look at the pictures and complete the sentences using an imperative in positive or negative form. Use the verbs in the box.
Verbs: turn – touch – talk – drive – turn off – drink – be – fish – wash – write – drink
On the application form: write your name legibly.
1
In the library: Please quiet. (+)
2
At the restaurant (21+ only): alcohol if you’re under 18. (−)
3
On this road: faster than 50 km/h. (−)
4
At the lake: only with a valid permit. (+)
5
During the meeting: when someone else is speaking. (−)
6
At the crossroads: right to reach the museum. (+)
7
Before you leave the room: the lights. (+)
8
At the washbasin: your hands. (+)
9
At the water fountain: the water. (−)
10
At the museum exhibit: the artifacts. (−)
The Imperative – Form & Use
Choose the correct forms to complete the following sentences.
1
____ your shoes before you come inside. It’s muddy out there.
A.
B.
C.
2
____ me at the station at 6 pm.
A.
B.
C.
3
____ quietly. The baby is sleeping.
A.
B.
C.
4
____ a break. We’ve been working for hours.
A.
B.
C.
5
____ your hands before dinner.
A.
B.
C.
6
____ over here and help me with this box.
A.
B.
C.
7
____ your phone now. We’re in class.
A.
B.
C.
8
____ in the front row if you want to see better.
A.
B.
C.
9
____ early tomorrow and catch the sunrise.
A.
B.
C.
10
____ your ticket before you leave the house.
A.
B.
C.
The Imperative – Form & Use
Write the correct imperative form or let’s + verb forms to complete the following sentences. Use the same verb used in the previous sentence.
1
A: Don’t turn off the lights.
B: Let’s the lights before the guests leave.
2
A: Let’s eat now.
B: Let’s your dinner while it’s hot.
3
A: Don’t take your seats yet.
B: Let’s our seats until everyone arrives.
4
A: Don’t begin the meeting without John.
B: Let’s the meeting until John gets here.
5
A: Call a doctor at once.
B: Let’s a doctor immediately.
6
A: Don’t finish the homework now.
B: Let’s the homework until after dinner.
7
A: Open the window.
B: Let’s the window for some fresh air.
8
A: Don’t write the email until you proofread it.
B: Let’s that email before checking the draft.
9
A: Sit down and relax.
B: Let’s down and take a short break.
10
A: Don’t go for a walk in this storm.
B: Let’s for a walk until the rain stops.