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 in the imperative mood?

A

She plays the piano every day.

B

They were reading when I arrived.

C

Open the window, please.

D

I will go to the store later.

2.

Complete the sentence with the correct word to form an imperative mood sentence.
"______ the window!"

A

Open

B

Opens

C

Opened

D

Opening

3.

Sort the the words to form an imperative sentence in the correct order:

my
wear
not
.
shoes
do
4.

Which sentence is a polite request in the imperative mood?

A

Do not enter!

B

Close the window!

C

Pass the salt, please.

D

Can you open the door?

5.

Match each sentence with its description.

Close the window!
Don't talk too loudly!
Do your homework, please.
Stop!
Single main verb as imperative
Imperative
Polite request
Negative imperative

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