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Imperative

1 min
A1

Use the base form of the verb with no subject to give a command or instruction (Stop! Open the door.), add don't before it for a negative command, and use let's to suggest doing something together.

CEFR A1·other

Formula

(Stop! Look! Sit down.)
Don't
(Don't run! Don't worry.)
Let's
(Let's go! Let's try.)

Examples

Positive
Open the door, please.
Negative
Don't touch that! Don't be late.
Question
— (imperatives are commands, not questions)

Usage

  • •Give orders, commands, or instructions
  • •Make requests, offers, or invitations (often with "please")
  • •Give warnings or advice

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How do you form the imperative?

Use the base form of the verb, with no subject — the "you" is understood: "Stop!" "Open the door, please." Add please before or after to sound polite.

How do you make a negative command?

Add don't before the base verb: "Don't run!" "Don't forget your keys." Never use "no" alone before a verb to make a negative command.

What does "let's" mean?

Let's means "let us" — it includes yourself in the action, as a suggestion to do something together: "Let's have lunch together." "Let's try."

More Examples

  • Please pass the salt.

    Polite request with "please"

  • Don't forget your keys.

    Warning / reminder

  • Let's have lunch together.

    Suggestion / invitation (we = us)

  • Turn left at the corner.

    Direction / instruction

  • Be careful on the stairs.

    Imperative of "to be" — use "Be"

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Adding subject "you": "You stop!" — usually just "Stop!" (subject is implied).
  • ✗Using -s ending: "Stops!" should be just "Stop!".
  • ✗Wrong negative: "No run!" should be "Don't run!".

Tips

  • ✓Soften commands with "please" before or after: "Please sit down." / "Sit down, please."
  • ✓"Let's" = "let us" — include yourself in the action (suggestion to do together).

Advanced Notes

The imperative uses the base verb form with no subject — the "you" is understood. Tone shifts dramatically with context: the same word "sit" can be a dog command, a polite invitation, or a rude dismissal depending on intonation and "please". In written instructions and recipes the imperative is standard and not impolite ("Add two eggs, stir well"). "Do + imperative" adds emphasis: "Do sit down" is warmer and more formal than plain "Sit down".

FAQ

Do you say "You stop!" or just "Stop!"?

Just "Stop!" — the imperative doesn't need a subject; "you" is already understood.

Is it "Stops!" or "Stop!"?

"Stop!" — the imperative always uses the base form of the verb, with no -s ending.

Is it "No run!" or "Don't run!"?

"Don't run!" — negative commands use don't (or do not) before the base verb, not "no."

What is the difference between the imperative and present simple?

The imperative gives a command with no subject: "Stop!" Present simple states a fact or habit and needs a subject: "He stops at the red light."

What is the difference between the imperative and modal verbs like "should"?

The imperative is a direct command: "Sit down!" Modal verbs like should give softer advice: "You should sit down."

Practice

  1. 1. the door, please.
  2. 2. forget your keys.
  3. 3. have lunch together.
  4. 4. careful on the stairs.
  5. 5. left at the corner.
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Compare With

Present Simple(A1)Modal Verbs(B1)