The imperative: Sit down! Don’t talk!
Grammar / A1 Grammar lessons and exercises /The imperative: Sit down! Don’t talk!
The Imperative: Sit down! Don’t talk!
Form
The form of the verb used for the imperative is the base form of the verb (= the infinitive without to). There is no subject.
The negative imperative is made with do not or don’t + infinitive (no subject).
- Sit down! (positive)
- Don’t talk! (negative)
- Turn off the lights.
- Don’t smoke here.
Use
You can use the imperative to:
Give instructions
- Open the package carefully.
- Connect the cable to the plug.
Give orders
- Fasten your seatbelt.
- Stop talking!
- Run!
Offer something or invite someone
- Have some cookies.
- Come and sit with us.
Give advice
- Get some sleep.
- Tell her how you feel.
- Go and have fun.
Give warnings
- Don’t touch that cable.
- Please, Stop the car!
Let’s – Making Suggestions
You can use let’s + verb or let’s not + verb to make suggestions.
- (+) It’s very hot today. Let’s go to the swimming pool.
- (-) Let’s not go out today. I’m very tired.