Using the Imperative form in sentences

1. Definition An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command. (Compare with sentences that make a statement, ask a question, or express an exclamation.) An imperative sentence typically begins with the base form of a verb , as in Go now! The implied subject you is said to be "understood" (or elliptical): (You) go now! It can be used to talk to one person or more people.

An imperative sentence ends with a period or an exclamation point.

Come in. Sit down! Read the paragraph in page seven. George and Hannah! Do that exercise on the board.

Imperative sentences usually occur in speech acts such as orders, requests and pleas. However, they are also used to give advice, and to grant permission, and are sometimes found in advertisements, good wishes and conditional constructions.

2.

Negating an Imperative Sentence

To negate a declarative sentence, do is absent and not is contracted with the verb.

In the corresponding imperative, the auxiliary do is combined with not and placed at the beginning of the sentence before the verb.

Declarative Sentence: You aren't lazy.

Imperative Sentence: Don't be lazy.

(Ron Cowan, The Teacher's Grammar of English: A Course Book and Reference Guide. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2008)

3. Softening the Imperative

The bare imperative is a very direct form in English and should be used with great care in order to avoid the perception of impoliteness. It is not generally used to make requests/commands or give instructions (e.g. in service encounters in shops or restaurants) except in cases where people are very familiar with one another, and except where accompanied by please. . . .

Just and/or please

can also soften an imperative:

[customer and market trader]

A: And some peppers, please.

B: Yeah. How many?

A: Just give me two big ones, please.

Imperatives with emphatic do – auxiliary verbs are perceived as more polite than

bare imperatives:

[to guests who have just arrived] “Do take your coats off."

(Ronald Carter and Michael McCarthy, Cambridge Grammar of English Cambridge University Press, 2006)

4. Everyday and real life uses for the Imperative

Everyone uses the imperative form every day. It has a special place in the exchanges with people that we talk to or in the most unexpected places. If you ask for directions and locations, people will use the imperative.

A: Where is the pharmacy?

B: Go two blocks down this street. It’s on the right.

A: Is there a bus stop near here?

B: Yes. Turn left and walk one block. It’s next to the supermarket.

When you take some medicine, the usage directions use the imperative. Take two caplets every six hours with a full glass of water.

Place two drops in each ear. It is also used when we cook. You can search for a recipe in a cookbook, on the Internet or

ask your grandmother. Mix the flour with two cups of milk.

Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan. Advertisements use it to sell their products.

Enjoy Coca-Cola.