Imperative
Instructions, requests and suggestions: imperative forms and uses at a glance.
Affirmative and negative
Use the base verb to tell someone to do something. The subject you is normally omitted; the same form works for one person or a group.
| Form / use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | base verb + complement | Open the window. |
| Negative | do not / don’t + base verb | Don’t open the window. |
| Be: affirmative | be + complement | Be careful. |
| Be: negative | don’t be + complement | Don’t be late. |
| Have: negative | don’t have + complement | Don’t have another coffee. |
| No -s or to | Keep the base form | Listen carefully. (not Listens or To listen) |
Common uses
Imperatives give instructions, directions, advice and warnings. They can also express an invitation or a friendly wish.
| Form / use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Instructions | base verb | Mix the flour and water. |
| Directions | base verb + direction | Turn left at the bank. |
| Orders | Direct instruction | Stop talking. |
| Advice | Suggested action | Take an umbrella. |
| Warnings | Urgent instruction | Watch out! · Don’t touch that! |
| Invitations | Welcoming instruction | Come in. · Have a seat. |
| Wishes | Friendly expression | Have a good trip! · Enjoy your meal! |
Polite requests
An imperative can sound direct. Please and a friendly tone help; a question with could or would is often more polite.
| Form / use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Please at the beginning | please + base verb | Please close the door. |
| Please at the end | imperative + please | Close the door, please. |
| Polite negative | please + don’t + base verb | Please don’t interrupt. |
| Question alternative | Could you + base verb? | Could you close the door, please? |
| Another alternative | Would you + base verb? | Would you wait here, please? |
Let’s: suggestions together
Use let’s + base verb to suggest an action that includes the speaker. Let’s is short for let us.
| Form / use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | let’s + base verb | Let’s take a break. |
| Negative | let’s not + base verb | Let’s not leave yet. |
| With be | let’s be / let’s not be | Let’s be patient. · Let’s not be late. |
| Question tag | let’s …, shall we? | Let’s go, shall we? |
| Let versus let’s | Permission versus a shared suggestion | Let me help. / Let’s help her. |
Emphasis and sequence
Do can emphasise a positive imperative. Use short linking expressions to organise instructions clearly.
| Form / use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Emphatic affirmative | do + base verb | Do be careful. |
| Reassuring invitation | do + base verb | Do come in. |
| Sequence | first → then → finally | First wash the rice. Then add water. |
| Two instructions | imperative + and + imperative | Sit down and open your book. |
| Negative instructions | don’t + verb + or + verb | Don’t eat or drink here. |
| Signs and notices | no + noun / -ing (not an imperative form) | No smoking. · No entry. |