Imperative Mood For beginners

Here, you'll learn about the imperative mood, used for giving commands or requests, like 'Sit down'. Simple explanations, examples, and exercises to help you understand.

"Imperative Mood" in English Grammar

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:

Example

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:

Example

Finish your meal!

Speak to your doctor!

Bring the keys, please.

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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:

Example

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:

Example

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:

Example

Close the door, please!

Shave your beard, please!

Read the text, please!

Quiz:


1.

Which of the following sentences is an example of the imperative mood?

A

She speaks to her doctor every week.

B

Speak to your doctor about the problem!

C

She is speaking to her doctor right now.

D

She has already spoken to her doctor.

2.

Which of the following sentences is an example of a negative imperative?

A

Bring the books, please!

B

Start your homework!

C

Don't forget your keys!

D

Speak louder!

3.

Sort the words to form a correct imperative sentence:

,
please
keys
bring
.
the
4.

Match the descriptions with the correct imperative sentences:

A polite request
An order
A negative command
A single verb as imperative
Run!
Get out.
Do not touch the oven!
Close the book, please.
5.

Complete the sentences with the correct word to complete the imperative sentences

the meeting now!

Pass the salt,

!

touch the artwork!

Begin
please
Don't
Give

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