In English, the imperative mood or imperative clause is used to express orders, commands, advice, suggestions, instructions. It is used to address a person or more people directly.
Example
Explanation
Run!
Here, the imperative mood is used to express an order directly.
Don't forget your umbrella!
It is a negative form of imperative mood.
Rule 1: We can use the imperative to order someone to do something.
Example
Explanation
Be quiet.
Imperative is used to order someone to stay quiet.
Note: Unlike in other languages, it would be very direct and, therefore, to express a request by using the imperative. In order to avoid appearing impolite, you should use a question rather than imperative to make a request in English.
Example
Explanation
Can you pass me this book, please?
It is a correct, polite way to request someone to pass you a book in English.
Pass me that book, please.
It is an informal and sometimes rude way to request someone to pass you a book in English.
Rule 2: To form the imperative in English grammar, you need to use the base or infinitive form of the verb (without to). It is is generally used without a subject.
Example
Explanation
Close the window!
Close is the imperative formed by using the base form to close without to.
Rule 3: We can use do + not before the verb to create a negative form of the imperative to order someone not to do something. Don't is the frequently used contraction of do + not.
Example
Explanation
Do not talk to me that way.
Do not talk is a negative form of imperative formed by adding do + not before the verb talk.
Don't rain on my parade!
Don't rain is a negative form of the imperative formed by adding the contraction of do + not before the verb rain.
Note: We also use the auxiliary verb do to form the negative imperative if the full verb is be.
Example
Explanation
Don't be silly.
Don't be is a negative form of imperative formed by adding the auxiliary verb do + not before the verb be.
Don't worry, be happy.
This example contains both regular and negative imperatives.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the correct verb: ___ for me.
0
correct answers.