The Imperative
The imperative is one of the simplest forms in English, and you meet it everywhere: in signs, recipes, directions and everyday requests. This guide shows you how to form it, how to make it negative, when to use it, and how to keep it polite.
Video summary
This short video is a sample from a Live English Club session. Watch it for the overview, then use the sections below as your reference.
What is the imperative?
The imperative uses the base form of the verb (the bare infinitive) with no ending: go, wait, listen. It works for both “you” singular and “you” plural, but you never write or say the subject; context makes it clear who you mean. A parent says Go to bed to one child; a teacher says Open your books to the whole class. Same form, different audience.
How to form the imperative
There are three patterns: the plain (affirmative) imperative, the negative with don’t, and let’s for a suggestion that includes you.
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | base verb (bare infinitive) | Sit down. / Open the window. |
| Negative | Don’t + base verb | Don’t touch that. / Don’t be late. |
| Let’s (suggestion) | Let’s + base verb | Let’s go. / Let’s not argue. |
The negative imperative
To make an imperative negative, put don’t before the base verb. This is true for every verb, including be: Don’t be shy.
Don’t be late.
Please don’t touch the paintings.
What is the imperative used for?
The imperative covers a wide range of everyday functions, from strong commands to friendly offers.
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Orders and commands | Stop! / Sit down. |
| Instructions and directions | Turn left at the corner. / Preheat the oven. |
| Advice and suggestions | Take an umbrella. / Talk to her. |
| Warnings | Be careful! / Watch out! |
| Invitations and offers | Have a seat. / Help yourself. |
| Signs and notices | Push. / Keep off the grass. |
Making the imperative sound polite
On its own the imperative can sound blunt. A few small additions soften it and make it friendlier.
| Softener | Example |
|---|---|
| please | Please close the door. |
| do + verb | Do sit down. / Do come in. |
| why don’t we / you | Why don’t we start now? |
| if you don’t mind | Close the door, if you don’t mind. |
Common mistakes to avoid
Adding the subject. The imperative never states its subject. Not You sit down. Say Sit down. The you is implied.
Using “not” alone. Negatives always use don’t + base verb. Not Not touch that. Say Don’t touch that.
Changing the verb. The imperative is the bare infinitive, with no -s and no to. Not Sits down / To sit down. Say Sit down.
Reading the rule is easy; giving natural instructions and requests out loud is the goal. Practise the imperative with an experienced native teacher in a free trial lesson and get corrected as you speak. No credit card needed.
Exercises
Practice on this page. Try each one, then check your answers instantly.
Exercise 1: make these orders more polite
Exercise 2: complete the commands with the right verb
Exercise 3: choose the correct imperative (including negatives)
Frequently asked questions
What is the imperative in English?
How do you make the imperative negative?
Is the imperative rude?
What does “let’s” mean?
Key takeaways
- The imperative is the base verb (bare infinitive): Wait. Listen.
- The subject “you” is implied and never written.
- Negative = don’t + base verb: Don’t wait.
- Use it for orders, instructions, advice, warnings and signs.
- Add please or do to sound polite.
- Let’s + base verb makes a suggestion: Let’s start.
Keep learning
Written and reviewed by the experienced native English teachers at Live English, online since 2007. The video is a sample from the weekly grammar sessions in the Live English Club.