The Imperative
In the English language, the imperative is the same as the infinitive without the “to”. Also, there are no differences to be made in singular and plural structures. When you give an order or command, use the base form of a verb, such as give, read or come.
This base form is then called the imperative.
Examples:
- Open your books to page 25.
- Stop and look before you cross the road.
- Come to the front of the class.
- Show me your homework.
- Read the first sentence out loud.
- Choose a partner and stand in a circle.
Requests, Orders and Prohibitions
Imperatives are very direct. To be more polite, you can use please before the imperative.
- Please show me your homework.
- Please read the first sentence out loud.
- Please come to the front of the class.
One can also add a “will you” at the end of a structure to be even more polite.
- Tell Michelle to call me, will you?
An order is made without "please" or "will you?".
- Boys, leave the house!
- Maria, stop talking, let’s go now!
To make negative imperatives, use do not or don’t before the base form of the verb.
- Do not bring calculators into the exam room.
- Please don’t change anything on my computer.
Making a suggestion or a request with the form "LET'S ...!"
- Lets watch the game in the Pub!
- Let's not tell him about the sectret.
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