Imperatives: instructions and commands

What you'll learn

Use an imperative to tell someone what to do.

• Open the door.
• Sit down.
• Turn left.
• Don't touch that.

The subject is usually not said because it is understood: you.

Start with these examples

• Open your book.
• Turn left at the bank.
• Please wait here.
• Don't touch that.

Positive instructions

Use the base verb.

base verb + rest of the sentence

• Listen carefully.
• Write your name.
• Take the bus.
• Turn left at the bank.

Add please to sound more polite.

• Please sit down.
• Please wait here.

Negative instructions

Use don't + base verb.

• Don't run.
• Don't open the window.
• Don't forget your keys.
• Don't be late.

Use imperatives in everyday situations

• classroom: Open your book.
• directions: Go straight on.
• safety: Don't touch the oven.
• home: Please call me later.

Common mistakes

• You open your book. → Open your book.
• To sit down. → Sit down.
• No open the window. → Don't open the window.
• Don't to wait. → Don't wait.

Quick check

• Turn right at the corner. / You turn right at the corner.
• Don't use your phone here. / Don't to use your phone here.
• Please write your name. / Please to write your name.

Next step

Use some and any to talk about quantities.