Imperative
| Affirmative Form (Base form of the verb) |
Negative Form (Don’t + base form) |
Addressing Someone (Pronoun + base form) |
| Wait a minute. Be quiet. |
Don’t leave me alone. Don’t use your phone in class. |
You stay here. You wait here. |
Common usage of imperatives
A. Use imperatives to give instructions.
- Get involved in activities on campus.
- Make sure you eat well and sleep enough.
- Walk down the street and then turn left at the 7-Eleven.
B. Use imperatives on signs and notices.
- Do not litter.
- Be quiet, please.
- Yield the priority seats to the elderly, pregnant women, and the disabled.
C. Use imperatives to give a direct order.
- Submit your term paper by the end of Friday.
- Stop playing with your cellphone.
- Give the form to the secretary.
D. Use imperatives to give friendly advice.
- Speak to Mike and tell him how you feel.
- Stay at home and get some sleep. You will feel better.
- Have a word with your tutor about it.
E. Use imperatives to make an invitation.
- Have a piece of the pie. It’s delicious.
- Come in and make yourself at home.
- Help yourself to anything in the fridge.