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Form the imperative in English it is very simple, it is formed simply with the infinitive of the verb without "to". Eg. "call me soon"(call me soon), is formed from the infinitive: to call, without "to".
Each verb has a unique imperative form, which is used for both the second person singular and the second person plural.
Negation of the imperative of form by putting “do not” or “don’t” before the verb in the infinitive.
Another way to form the imperative is by using the auxiliary verb "let", and in that case it is used for the first person plural. Ex.Let's buy a car. (Let's buy a car).
In imperative sentences no subject is needed. A subject can be added to clarify who you are speaking to. In that case, after the subject, write a comma. Ex.John, follow me please. (John please follow me).
To give a more amiable tone to imperative sentences, "por favor" (please).
Examples of imperative sentences in English
- Don’t open the door. / Don't open the door.
- Let's go play outside. / Let's go play outside.
- Try it one more time. / Try again.
- Give him a chance. / Give him an oportunity.
- Please, call me when you get home. / Please call me when you get there.
- Turn the volume up, this is my favorite song. / Turn up the volume, this is my favorite song.
- Slow down! / Slower!
- Let's play cards. / Let's play cards.
- Don’t laugh, this is serious. / Don't laugh, this is serious.
- Turn off the lights before you leave, please. / Turn off the lights before you go please.
- Keep the windows close at all times. / Keep windows closed all the time.
- Watch your step. / Be careful when stepping.
- Pass the salt. / Give me the salt.
- Please, help me find my keys. / Please help me find my keys.
- Don’t talk during class. / Don't talk during class.
- Please don't leave your toys on the floor. / Please don't leave your toys on the floor.
- Play another song. / Play another song.
- Don’t watch that movie, it’s not for children. / Don't watch that movie, it's not for kids.
- Stay where I can see you. / Stay where I can see you.
- Don’t touch that, it’s hot. / Don't touch that, it's hot.
- Tell me if you need anything. / Tell me if you need anything.
- Bring your own bag. / Bring your own bag.
- Enjoy your meal. / Enjoy your meal.
- Sit down. / Sit down.
- Turn the tv off. / Turn off the television.
- Stand up. / Stand up.
- Don’t worry. / Do not worry.
- Hurry up. / Hurry up.
- Don’t stay up too late. / Do not stay up late.
- Go through the main entrance. / Go through the main entrance.
- Write down everything you remember. / Write down everything you remember.
- Have some cake. / Have some cake.
- Stop running if you feel tired. / Stop running if you feel tired.
- Please be careful. / Please be careful.
- Cover the wound with a bandage. / Cover the wound with a bandage.
- Follow the instructions. / Follow the instructions.
- Don’t forget your coat. / Don't forget your coat.
- Speak louder, please. / Speak louder please.
- Wait here, please. / Wait here please.
- Knock the door. / Knock on the door.
- Call the waitress when you are ready to order. / Call the waitress when you are ready to order.
- Let's choose a movie. / Let's choose a movie.
- Please, repeat the question. / Please repeat the question.
- Please, turn off your phones during the show. / Please turn off your phones during the show.
- Don’t be rude to him. / Don't be rude to him.
- Tell me all about it. / Tell me everything.
- Call this number. / Call this number.
- Stay tuned. / Stay tuned.
- Watch the photograph and answer the questions. / Look at the photo and answer the questions.
- Don’t leave children unattended. / Do not leave children alone.
Andrea is a language teacher, and on her Instagram account she offers private lessons by video call so that you can learn to speak English.
