Imperative Sentence
Learn what an imperative sentence is, its types, structure, examples, rules, and common mistakes with this beginner-friendly English grammar lesson.
Imperative Sentence
An Imperative Sentence is a sentence that gives a command, request, advice, instruction, warning, or invitation.
The subject "you" is usually understood and is not written.
Imperative sentences usually end with a full stop (.), but they may end with an exclamation mark (!) when expressing strong emotion or urgency.
Examples
- Close the door.
- Please help me.
- Drive carefully.
- Don't touch the wire.
- Have a seat.
Types of Imperative Sentences
1. Command
Used to give an order or command.
Examples
- Stand up.
- Finish your homework.
- Turn off the lights.
2. Request
Used to ask someone politely.
Examples
- Please open the window.
- Kindly wait for a moment.
- Pass me the salt, please.
3. Advice
Used to suggest what someone should do.
Examples
- Eat healthy food.
- Exercise every day.
- Always speak the truth.
4. Instruction
Used to explain how to do something.
Examples
- Mix the flour with water.
- Press the power button.
- Read the instructions carefully.
5. Warning
Used to warn someone about danger or risk.
Examples
- Don't run on the stairs.
- Be careful.
- Never touch live wires.
6. Invitation
Used to invite someone politely.
Examples
- Come and join us.
- Have some tea.
- Please take a seat.
Structure
Positive Imperative
Base Form of Verb + Object
Examples:
- Open the book.
- Write your name.
- Listen carefully.
Negative Imperative
Don't + Base Form of Verb + Object
Examples:
- Don't make noise.
- Don't be late.
- Don't waste your time.
Polite Imperative
Please + Base Form of Verb
Examples:
- Please sit down.
- Please call me later.
- Please wait here.
Characteristics of an Imperative Sentence
- Gives commands, requests, advice, or instructions.
- Usually begins with the base form of a verb.
- The subject you is usually omitted.
- Ends with a full stop (.) or an exclamation mark (!).
Examples
| Sentence | Type |
|---|---|
| Close the window. | Command |
| Please help me. | Request |
| Eat more vegetables. | Advice |
| Don't smoke here. | Warning |
| Follow the instructions. | Instruction |
| Join us for dinner. | Invitation |
Imperative vs Other Sentence Types
| Sentence Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assertive | States information | She is a teacher. |
| Interrogative | Asks a question | Is she a teacher? |
| Imperative | Gives a command or request | Please open the door. |
| Exclamatory | Expresses strong emotion | What a beautiful day! |
Rules
- Use the base form of the verb.
- The subject you is usually understood.
- Use don't to form a negative imperative.
- Use please or kindly to make requests more polite.
- End the sentence with a full stop (.) or an exclamation mark (!) when appropriate.
Common Mistakes
❌ You close the door.
✅ Close the door.
❌ Don't to run.
✅ Don't run.
❌ Please to help me.
✅ Please help me.
Quick Quiz
1. Which is an imperative sentence?
A. She is a student.
B. Where do you live?
C. Please close the window.
D. What a beautiful flower!
Answer: C
2. What is the implied subject of most imperative sentences?
A. I
B. He
C. They
D. You
Answer: D
3. Which sentence is a negative imperative?
A. Open the book.
B. Don't touch the fire.
C. She is reading.
D. Are you ready?
Answer: B
Summary
- An Imperative Sentence gives a command, request, advice, instruction, warning, or invitation.
- The subject you is usually understood but not written.
- Imperative sentences commonly begin with the base form of a verb.
- They usually end with a full stop (.), but an exclamation mark (!) may be used for emphasis.
- Negative imperatives are formed with don't + base verb.
Next Lessons
- Assertive Sentence
- Interrogative Sentence
- Exclamatory Sentence
- Optative Sentence
- Types of Sentences