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Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence gives a command, request, advice, or instruction, typically starting with a verb. It can be positive, negative, polite, or forceful. The subject is usually implied (you), and the sentence structure is simple, often consisting of the verb followed by an object. Imperatives are used in various contexts, such as directions or suggestions. They can be modified with words like "please" or "gently" to adjust tone. For example, 'Close the door' or 'Please pass the salt'.

Table of Contents

  • Definition of Imperative Sentence
  • Types of Imperative Sentence
  • Functions of Imperative Sentences
  • Structure of Imperative Sentences
  • Implied Subject in Imperative Sentences
  • Use of Imperatives in Contexts
  • Modifying Imperatives
  • Examples of Imperative Sentences
  • Common Mistakes

Definition of Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives a command, request, instruction, or advice. It usually begins with a verb and often does not have a stated subject, as the subject is usually understood to be 'you'.

An imperative sentence is a sentence that expresses a command, request, instruction, or advice and typically begins with the base form of a verb (without a subject). It can end with a period (.) or an exclamation mark (!) depending on the tone.

Types of Imperative Sentence

Positive Imperatives: Positive imperatives are commands or instructions that tell someone to do something in a direct and affirmative way. They usually begin with the base form of a verb and do not require a subject.

  • Give me a call.
  • Open the window.
  • Keep smiling.
  • Try again.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Be kind to others.

Negative Imperatives: Negative imperatives are commands that tell someone 'not' to do something. They are formed by placing 'do not' (don’t) before the base verb. Here are some examples:

  • Don’t touch that!
  • Do not run in the hallway.
  • Don’t be late.
  • Please don’t make noise.
  • Kindly do not disturb.
  • Never open this door.
  • Don’t ever lie to me.

Polite Imperatives: Polite imperatives are commands or requests that sound more courteous and respectful. Instead of giving direct orders, polite imperatives soften the tone, making them more appropriate in social or professional settings.

  • Please close the door.
  • Could you pass me the salt?
  • Would you mind moving your car?
  • I’d appreciate it if you could send me the file.
  • Do you think you could help me with my luggage?
  • When you have a moment, could you review this document?

Functions of Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences are used to give commands, make requests, offer instructions, or give advice. Their main functions include:

  • Commanding – Directly telling someone to do something.
    Example: Close the door.
  • Requesting – Politely asking for something.
    Example: Please help me with this task.
  • Giving Instructions – Explaining steps to follow.
    Example: Mix the ingredients well before baking.
  • Offering Advice or Suggestions – Recommending actions.
    Example: Try to exercise daily for better health.
  • Giving Warnings – Cautioning someone.
    Example: Don't touch the hot pan!
  • Inviting or Encouraging – Motivating someone to do something.
    Example: Come and join us for dinner.

Structure of Imperative Sentences

An imperative sentence is used to give commands, instructions, requests, or advice. These sentences often begin with a verb and have an implied subject (you).

  • Base Verb + Object (if needed)
    - Sit down.
    - Open the book.
  • Verb + Adverb/Prepositional Phrase
    - Drive carefully.
    - Come here.
  • Do/Don't + Base Verb (for emphasis or negation)
    - Do help your mother.
    - Don’t touch that!
  • Please + Imperative Sentence (Politeness)
    - Please close the door.
    - Please be quiet.
  • Let’s + Base Verb (Suggestion)
    - Let’s go to the park.
    - Let’s eat dinner together.

Implied Subject in Imperative Sentences

In imperative sentences, the subject is usually 'implied' rather than stated explicitly. The understood subject is 'you' (second person), even though it is not written or spoken in the sentence.

Examples:

  • Close the door.
    (Implied subject: 'You' close the door.)
  • Please sit down.
    (Implied subject: 'You' sit down.)
  • Don't touch that!
    (Implied subject: 'You' don’t touch that!)

Even when an imperative sentence includes words like 'please' or 'let’s', the subject remains understood as 'you'.

Use of Imperatives in Contexts

Imperatives are verb forms used to give commands, instructions, requests, or advice. They are direct and often omit the subject, as it is usually understood to be 'you'. Imperatives are common in various contexts, such as:

  • Commands and Orders
    • Sit down!
    • Close the door!
    • Stop talking!
  • Instructions and Guidelines
    • Mix the ingredients well.
    • Turn left at the next junction.
    • Press the power button to start the machine.
  • Requests and Suggestions
    • Please pass me the salt.
    • Try to get some rest.
    • Let’s go for a walk.
  • Warnings and Prohibitions
    • Don’t touch the hot pan!
    • Beware of the dog!
    • Do not enter.
  • Advertisements and Public Notices
    • Buy one, get one free!
    • Subscribe now for updates!
    • Enjoy your meal!

Modifying Imperatives

Modifying imperatives refers to the process of making commands (imperative sentences) softer, more polite, or more specific by adding words or changing their structure. Here are some common ways to modify imperatives:

  • Using "please" for politeness
    • Direct: Close the door.
    • Modified: Please close the door.
  • Adding "just" to make it sound softer
    • Direct: Listen to me.
    • Modified: Just listen to me.
  • Using "do" for emphasis or encouragement
    • Direct: Try this.
    • Modified: Do try this.
  • Using "let’s" for suggestions
    • Direct: Go now.
    • Modified: Let’s go now.
  • Turning it into a question to sound indirect
    • Direct: Help me.
    • Modified: Could you help me?
  • Adding "would you mind" for extra politeness
    • Direct: Open the window.
    • Modified: Would you mind opening the window?
  • Softening with "if you don’t mind"
    • Direct: Move your car.
    • Modified: Move your car if you don’t mind.

Examples of Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences are used to give commands, make requests, or offer instructions. They often begin with a verb and typically omit the subject (which is implied to be "you"). Here are some examples:

  • Commands:
    - Close the door.
    - Turn off the lights.
    - Stop talking.
    - Sit down.
    - Clean your room.
  • Requests:
    - Please pass the salt.
    - Help me with this box.
    - Call me later.
    - Give me a hand.
    - Please be quiet.
  • Instructions:
    - Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
    - Stir the soup gently.
    - Press the button to start.
    - Fold the paper in half.
    - Add two cups of water.
  • Warnings:
    - Watch out!
    - Be careful!
    - Don’t touch that!
    - Look both ways before crossing.
    - Stay away from the edge.
  • Invitations:
    - Come in.
    - Join us for dinner.
    - Have a seat.
    - Feel free to ask questions.
    - Enjoy the party.
  • Prohibitions:
    - Don’t smoke here.
    - Never give up.
    - Don’t forget your keys.
    - Avoid touching the wet paint.
    - Don’t be late.

Common Mistakes

Imperative sentences are commands, requests, or instructions, usually without a stated subject (the subject is implied as 'you'). Here are some common mistakes people make when using imperative sentences:

  • Missing or Weak Verb
    ✘ Please your homework. (No clear action)
    ✓ Please complete your homework.
  • Overuse of 'You': Imperative sentences already imply 'you', so adding 'you' explicitly can sound unnatural.
    ✘ You close the door.
    ✓ Close the door.
  • Incorrect Punctuation: Imperative sentences often need a period (.) or exclamation mark (!), depending on tone.
    ✘ Stop talking,
    ✓ Stop talking!
  • Overly Harsh or Rude Tone: Imperatives can sound too direct or impolite without softening words like 'please' or 'kindly'.
    ✘ Give me the book.
    ✓ Please give me the book.
  • Confusion Between Commands and Requests: Commands sound strict, while polite requests are more appropriate in formal situations.
    ✘ Help me with my work. (Sounds like an order)
    ✓ Could you help me with my work? (More polite)
  • Neglecting the Negative Form: When giving negative commands, 'do not' or 'don’t' should be used.
    ✘ Not touch the wires.
    ✓ Do not touch the wires.
  • Using Full Sentences Instead of Concise Commands: Imperatives should be direct and to the point.
    ✘ It would be great if you could send me the report by tomorrow.
    ✓ Send me the report by tomorrow.
  • Misuse of 'Let’s': 'Let’s' (let us) suggests a suggestion rather than a strict command.
    ✘ Let’s close the door now! (If it's a strict order, use 'Close the door now!')
    ✓ Let’s close the door now. (For a suggestion)

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Grammar

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  • Conjunction
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