Imperative Mood

For beginners

In English grammar, imperatives are made from the base form of verbs and are used to tell or ask somebody to do or not to do something.

What Is Imperative Mood?

The imperative mood is used to order or ask someone to do or not do something. Take a look at these examples:

You can go to your room. → Go to your room!

You need to start. → Start!

You should respect your mother. → Respect your mother!

Structure

The imperative mood is formed using the base form of the main verb at the beginning of the sentence, without a subject. Imperative sentences often end with an exclamation mark, but in some cases, they can end with a full stop. Look at the examples:

Finish your meal!

Speak to your doctor!

Bring the keys, please.

a sentence in the imperative mood

Tip!

A single main verb can be an imperative sentence, but only if it is used in the base form and without a subject. Check out the examples:

Go!

Start!

Negative Imperative

To give a negative order, 'do not' (or 'don't') is used at the beginning of the imperative sentence. This is used to tell someone not to do something. Here are some examples:

Don't touch my hair!

Don't show me the cat!

Do not drink water in the class!

Please!

To make a polite request or order, the word 'please' is used at the end of the imperative sentence. When using 'please,' it is important to use a 'comma' before the word. Check out the examples:

Close the door, please!

Shave your beard, please!

Read the text, please!

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What Is Imperative Mood?
Structure
Negative Imperative

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