Imperative Mood for beginners

imperative mood

If you're wondering what the word 'imperative' means, in grammar, imperatives are verbs that are used to tell somebody what to do or not to do.

intermediate advanced

What Is Imperative Mood?

The 'imperative mood' is a verb form that is used to give orders or make people do something. Take a look at these examples:

I go to my room. → Go to your room!

He needs to start. → Start!

We should respect our mother. → Respect your mother!

Structure

The imperative mood is formed by using the base form of the main verb at the beginning of the sentence. They are usually ended with an exclamation mark. But it is possible to end it 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!

Even one single main verb can be an imperative mood. Check out the examples:

Go!

Start!

Please

To make a polite order, you can use the term 'please' at the end of the sentence. A 'comma' is required before the word 'please.' Check out the examples:

Close the door, please!

Shave your beard, please!

Read the text, please!

Negative Imperative

To make negative orders, or in other words, to make somebody not do something, all you have to do is to place 'do not' (or don't) at the beginning of a sentence. Here are some examples:

Don't touch my hair!

Don't show me the cat!

Do not drink water in the class!

Moods

Moods and tenses are different concepts in English grammar that are widely confused. In this lesson, we will learn all about moods in English grammar.

Declarative Mood

There are different types of moods in English. Each shows a special manner toward the subject. In this article, we will focus on the declarative mood.

Subjunctive Mood

Subjunctive is a form or mood of verbs that helps us talk about wishes, possibility or uncertainty. To learn about this mood, start reading this article.

Interrogative Mood

Interrogative mood is a form of verb that is used to ask questions. Now if you want to learn how to make questions correctly, read this article.

Exclamatory Mood

There are six moods in English grammar. In this article, we will focus on the exclamatory mood. Exclamatives are moods of feelings.

Conditional Mood

Have you ever thought about something that might have happened if there was a different situation in the past? Conditionals help us talk about possibilities.

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