A1+Grammar

Learn Imperatives in English: Simple Commands for Everyday Use

Posted on by adminatlingofrnd

Welcome to today’s English grammar lesson! We’re going to learn about imperatives. Imperatives are super useful in everyday English. They help you give instructions, make requests, and tell people what to do. If you want to speak English clearly and confidently, understanding imperatives is a great first step. This is English grammar for beginners, so we’ll keep it simple and practical.

What are Imperatives? Basic English Commands

Simply put, imperatives are sentences that give commands or instructions. Think of them as telling someone directly what you want them to do. They are often used in daily conversations and are a fundamental part of everyday English.

Here’s the key thing: with imperatives, you don’t usually say “you” before the verb. You just start with the action word, the verb itself. This makes them direct and easy to understand.

For example, instead of saying “You close the door,” you say:

  • Close the door.

See? Direct and to the point! Let’s learn more about how to make and use these basic English commands.

How to Form Imperatives: Making Simple Commands

Forming imperatives is actually very easy! There are two main types: positive and negative imperatives.

Positive Imperatives: Telling Someone What TO Do

To make a positive imperative, you just use the base form of the verb. The base form is the simplest form of the verb – the one you find in the dictionary. It’s like the verb in its most natural state. These verbs are action verbs, showing us what to do!
Here are some examples of positive imperatives:

  • Open your book.
  • Listen carefully.
  • Sit down, please.
  • Come here now!
  • Be quiet in the library.

Notice how each sentence starts directly with the verb: Open, Listen, Sit, Come, Be. That’s the key to positive imperatives!

Negative Imperatives: Telling Someone What NOT to Do

Sometimes, you need to tell someone not to do something. For this, we use negative imperatives. To make a negative imperative, we use “Do not” or the contraction “Don’t” before the base form of the verb.
Here are some examples of negative imperatives:

  • Do not open that box. (Or: Don’t open that box.)
  • Do not talk in class. (Or: Don’t talk in class.)
  • Do not be late again. (Or: Don’t be late again.)
  • Don’t forget your homework.
  • Don’t worry about it.

See how “Do not” or “Don’t” comes before the verb? This makes it clear you are telling someone to stop doing something or to avoid doing it.

When to Use Imperatives: Practical Uses of Commands

Imperatives are used in many different situations. Let’s look at some common examples of when you might use them to speak English clearly and effectively.

Giving Instructions: Step-by-Step Guides

Imperatives are perfect for giving instructions, like when you’re explaining how to do something. Think about recipes, directions, or even game instructions!
Examples of imperatives for instructions:

  1. Take the first left.
  2. Mix the flour and eggs.
  3. Press the red button to start.
  4. Read the instructions carefully before you begin.
  5. To log in, enter your username and password.

Giving Direct Commands: Telling Someone What to Do

Sometimes you need to give a more direct command. This is common in situations where you need someone to do something quickly or when you are in charge.
Examples of imperatives for commands:

  • Stop! (In a dangerous situation)
  • Hurry up! We’re going to be late.
  • Clean your room now.
  • Wait here for me.
  • Be quiet! I’m trying to concentrate.

Remember, even when giving commands, you can make them sound more polite by adding “please” at the end: “Sit down, please.”

Making Requests: Polite Commands

Imperatives can also be used to make requests. To make a request sound polite, we often use “please” and adjust our tone of voice. Using “please” softens the command and makes it more of a polite request.
Examples of imperatives for requests:

  • Help me, please.
  • Pass me the salt, please.
  • Be quiet, please.
  • Come in, please.
  • Have a seat, please.

Giving Advice: Simple Suggestions

You can even use imperatives to give simple advice or suggestions. This is a friendly way to tell someone what you think they should do.
Examples of imperatives for advice:

  • Try this new restaurant. It’s great!
  • Drink more water. It’s good for you.
  • Get some rest. You look tired.
  • Ask for help if you need it.
  • Be patient. Learning English takes time.

Let’s Practice! Imperatives in Action

Now it’s time to practice using imperatives! Fill in the blanks to complete these imperative sentences. Use the verbs in brackets in their base form or use “Don’t” + base form to make a negative imperative.

  1. _____ (open) the window, please. It’s hot in here.
  2. _____ (be) quiet in the library.
  3. _____ (not touch / Don’t touch) that! It’s hot.
  4. _____ (listen) to your teacher carefully.
  5. _____ (hurry) up! We are late.
  6. _____ (not forget / Don’t forget) your keys when you go out.
  7. _____ (turn) left at the next corner.
  8. _____ (be) kind to others.
  9. _____ (not worry / Don’t worry). Everything will be okay.
  10. _____ (close) the door when you leave.

Answers to Practice Exercises

  1. Open the window, please. It’s hot in here.
  2. Be quiet in the library.
  3. Don’t touch that! It’s hot.
  4. Listen to your teacher carefully.
  5. Hurry up! We are late.
  6. Don’t forget your keys when you go out.
  7. Turn left at the next corner.
  8. Be kind to others.
  9. Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.
  10. Close the door when you leave.

Practice Speaking Imperatives with Lingofrnd

Great job practicing imperatives! Now, to really improve your spoken English practice, you need to speak them out loud! Lingofrnd.com is an amazing AI spoken English teacher that can help you practice using imperatives in real conversations. You can get instant feedback on your pronunciation and fluency, and build your confidence in speaking English clearly.

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Conclusion: Mastering Imperatives for Everyday English

Congratulations! You’ve learned the basics of imperatives in English. You now know how to form positive and negative imperatives and when to use them for instructions, commands, requests, and advice. Keep practicing using these basic English commands in your daily conversations. The more you practice, the more natural they will become, and the more confidently you will speak English. Keep learning and keep practicing!

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