🗣️ The Imperative – Form & Use

🧩 Form

The imperative uses the base form of the verb (infinitive without to) and does not include a subject.

Be quiet! | Call me soon.

To make the negative imperative, use “do not” or “don’t” + base verb:

🚫 Don’t shout! | Do not disturb.

📌 Uses

🟡 Instructions

  • Open the package carefully.
  • Press the green button.
  • Connect the cable to the plug.

🔴 Orders

  • Fasten your seatbelt.
  • Stop talking!
  • Run!

🔸 Offers & Invitations

  • Have some cookies.
  • Come and sit with us.

🔹 Advice

  • Get some sleep.
  • Tell her how you feel.
  • Go and have fun.

🟣 Warnings

  • Don’t touch that cable.
  • Please, stop the car!

🤝 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 very hot today. Let’s go to the swimming pool.
  • 😴 I’m tired. Let’s not go out today.

✅ 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: “Sit down.”

Negative: “Don’t talk.”

Suggestions: “Let’s go.” / “Let’s not stay.”

Exercises:

The imperative: Sit down!
Don’t talk!

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: Sit down! Don’t talk!

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: Sit down!
Don’t talk!

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.