Imperative Sentence | Definition & Examples

In grammar, an imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives commands, instructions, requests, or expresses wishes, urging someone to perform a specific action. It is characterized by the use of the base form of the verb as the opening word and typically lacks a stated subject, with the implied subject being “you.”

Let’s deep dive into the topic to learn more about imperative sentences.

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives instructions, commands, requests, or expresses a desire for something to happen. It is one of the four main types of sentences, alongside declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences.

The unique feature of imperative sentences is that they are usually directed at someone, implicitly or explicitly telling the listener or reader what action should be taken.

Characteristics of Imperative Sentences:

1. Subject Omission: The subject of an imperative sentence (usually “you”) is often implied and not explicitly stated. For example, “Close the door” implies that “you” should close the door.
2. Verb Placement: The sentence typically begins with the base form of the verb, which indicates the action to be taken. For instance, “Sit down” starts with the verb “sit.”
3. Purpose: Imperative sentences can serve various purposes, such as:
   • Commands: “Stop talking.”
   • Requests: “Please pass the salt.”
   • Advice: “Take the medicine twice a day.”
   • Instructions: “Insert tab A into slot B.”
   • Invitations: “Come to the party at 8 PM.”
   • Warnings: “Don’t touch the wet paint.”
4. Punctuation: They often end with a period but can also end with an exclamation mark to convey urgency or strong emotion. For example, “Leave the room now!”
5. Politeness Level: The tone can range from polite to commanding, based on the choice of words and context. Adding words like “please” can make the sentence more polite.

Imperative sentences can be classified into three types based on their usage:

Positive Imperative Sentences

Positive imperatives directly tell someone to do something. They state the action that should be taken in a straightforward manner, often with an implied “you” as the subject.

• Examples:
  • “Please submit your report by Monday.”
  • “Turn off the lights before leaving.”

Negative Imperative Sentences

Negative imperatives instruct someone not to do something. They are formed by placing “do not” or “don’t” before the base form of the verb. These sentences are used to prohibit an action or to advise against it.

• Examples:
  • “Don’t forget to lock the door.”
  • “Do not touch the wet paint.”

Conditional Imperative Sentences

Conditional imperatives set a condition under which the command or request should be followed. They often start with “if” or include an “if” clause to specify the condition, although the condition can sometimes be implied or based on context.

• Examples:
  • “If you see John, tell him to call me.” Here, the action of telling John to call is conditional on seeing him.
  • “Please reply to this email if you have any questions.” Here, the action of replying is conditional on having questions.
  • “Take an umbrella if it looks like rain.” Here, the action of taking an umbrella is conditional on the appearance of rain.

Imperative sentences are a powerful tool in English that are used to issue commands, give instructions, make requests, or offer advice.

Forming Basic Imperatives

• Positive Commands: Start with the verb to indicate the action desired. Example: “Speak clearly.”
• Negative Commands: Use “do not” or “don’t” before the verb for prohibitions. Example: “Don’t speak loudly.”

Making Polite Requests

• Add “please” to soften the command and make it more of a polite request.
  • Before the verb: “Please sit down.”
  • After the verb: “Sit down, please.”

Giving Instructions

• Use a series of imperative sentences for step-by-step instructions, often found in manuals, recipes, or guidelines. Be clear and concise to ensure understandability.
  • Example: “Turn the knob clockwise to open.”

Offering Advice

• Use modal verbs like “should” or phrases like “I suggest” for softer, less direct advice.
  • Direct: “Eat healthier foods.”
  • Less Direct: “You should eat healthier foods.”

Issuing Warnings or Prohibitions

• Clearly state the action to avoid and the consequence if needed.
  • Example: “Do not enter. Dangerous chemicals inside.”

Addressing Negative Situations

• Use negative imperatives to advise against actions.
  • Example: “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

What is an imperative sentence?

An imperative sentence is a type of sentence that gives commands, requests, instructions, or expresses desires. It usually begins with the base form of a verb and often doesn’t explicitly state the subject, which is typically understood to be “you.”

How do you form a negative imperative sentence?

To form a negative imperative sentence, use “do not” or “don’t” followed by the base form of the verb. For example, “Don’t touch that.”

How can you identify an imperative sentence?

Imperative sentences can be identified by their function (giving orders, making requests, etc.) and grammatical structure, typically starting with a verb and lacking a stated subject. They can end in a period or an exclamation mark.

Can imperative sentences be questions?

While imperative sentences are primarily declarative, they can be phrased as polite requests that resemble questions. For example, “Could you please close the door?”