Level: A1-A2
The Imperative — Practice
The imperative is the form used for commands, instructions, warnings, and requests. Just use the base verb — no to, no ending, no subject. 35 click-to-hear ESL examples.
Builds on The 5 Verb Forms Next in unit Phrasal Verbs →
- Commands (positive imperative)
- Stop! – Command
- Sit down. – Command
- Open your book to page ten. – Command
- Listen to me. – Command
- Wait here. – Command
- Be quiet. – Command
- Come here. – Command
- Instructions / directions
- Turn left at the corner. – Instruction
- Mix the flour well. – Instruction
- Press the red button. – Instruction
- Walk two blocks and then turn right. – Instruction
- Cut the paper in half. – Instruction
- Warnings
- Watch out! – Warning
- Be careful on the ice. – Warning
- Look both ways before crossing. – Warning
- Mind your step. – Warning
- Hold on tight! – Warning
- Polite requests (with "please")
- Please sit down. – Polite request
- Pass the salt, please. – Polite request
- Please close the door. – Polite request
- Be quiet, please. – Polite request
- Invitations / offers
- Come in! – Invitation
- Help yourself. – Invitation
- Have a seat. – Invitation
- Make yourself at home. – Invitation
- Negative imperative (don't / do not)
- Don’t touch that. – Negative
- Do not enter. – Negative
- Don’t worry. – Negative
- Don’t be late. – Negative
- Don’t forget your keys. – Negative
- Do not feed the animals. – Negative
- Don’t talk during the test. – Negative
- Emphatic (with "do")
- Do come in! – Emphatic
- Do try this dessert! – Emphatic
- Do tell us more! – Emphatic