Learn how to give commands, instructions, and make polite requests. Practice forming imperative sentences and using please to be more polite.
Imperatives are command forms. Learn how to give instructions, make requests, and tell people what to do.
Positive imperatives use the BASE VERB with no subject. Use for instructions, directions, and requests.
Adding please
Adding 'please' makes imperatives polite: 'Please sit down.' or 'Sit down, please.' With 'please' at the end, add a comma before it.
Imperatives are special sentences we use to give instructions, make requests, or tell people what to do.
Open the window.
Sit down.
Listen carefully.
Don't run in the hall.
Don't eat in class.
Don't be late.
Imperatives are easy! Just use the base form of the verb.
✓ Base verb + object: "Open the door"
✓ "Don't" + base verb: "Don't open the door"
It's Monday morning. Mum is in the kitchen. She calls out: "Wake up! Get dressed! Come downstairs!"
Dad is at the door. He says: "Don't forget your bag! Take your umbrella! It's raining outside."
At breakfast, Mum says: "Eat your toast. Drink your juice. Don't be late for school!"
Little brother says: "Please help me with my shoes!" Mum smiles: "Sit down. Let me help you."
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We use imperatives in many everyday situations.
Turn left at the corner.
Add two eggs.
Press the button.
Be careful!
Watch out!
Don't touch the hot stove.
Please pass the salt.
Have a seat.
Help yourself.
Try this cake.
Take an umbrella.
Don't worry about it.
Complete these commands:
1. "__________ the window, it's hot." (open, close)
2. "__________ quiet, please." (be, don't be)
3. "__________ late for class." (don't be, be)
1. "Open the window, it's hot."
2. "Be quiet, please."
3. "Don't be late for class."
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Follow these simple rules to make correct imperatives.
✓ Open the door.
✓ Sit down.
✓ Listen carefully.
✓ Please open the door.
✓ Sit down, please.
✓ Please listen carefully.
✓ Don't run.
✓ Don't eat here.
✓ Don't be late.
✓ Please don't smoke.
✓ Don't talk, please.
✓ Please don't be angry.
✓ Let's go to the park.
✓ Let's eat dinner.
✓ Let's study together.
✓ Let's not go today.
✓ Let's not be late.
✓ Let's not forget the tickets.
Want to try a Imperatives quiz?
Practice with multiple choice questions
These are the most common verbs used in imperatives.
"Listen to the teacher."
"Sit down, please."
Cut the vegetables
Mix the ingredients
Cook for 10 minutes
Be careful!
Watch the stove
Don't touch hot pans
"Cut the vegetables carefully."
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Ready to test your Imperatives knowledge?
Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises
❌ You open the door.
✓ Open the door.
Don't use 'you' with imperatives
❌ Not eat here.
✓ Don't eat here.
Always use 'Don't' for negative imperatives
❌ Please you help me.
✓ Please help me.
Remove 'you' when using 'please'
❌ Don't to run.
✓ Don't run.
Don't use 'to' after 'Don't'
Master Imperatives sentence building!
Drag and drop words to form correct sentences
Imperatives can sound rude. Here's how to make them polite.
✓ Please open the window.
✓ Open the window, please.
✓ Can you open the window?
✓ Could you help me, please?
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To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!
Open the door, please.
Sit down and listen.
Don't touch that!
Please be quiet.
Look at the board.
Don't forget your book.
Turn off your phone.
Please wait here.
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