A1 · Imperatives — Lesson

What are imperatives?

Imperatives are commands, instructions, warnings, and requests. There is no subject — the subject (you) is always understood.

Command

Sit down.

Instruction

Turn left at the corner.

Warning

Watch out!

Polite request

Please close the door.

Positive imperatives

Use the base verb — no subject, no auxiliary

base verb

Open the window. · Come here. · Be quiet.

+ please

Please sit down. · Sit down, please.

✓ Correct

Listen to me.

Close the door, please.

✗ Wrong

You listen to me.

→ no subject in imperative

Please to close the door.

→ no "to" after please

Negative imperatives

Don't + base verb

Don't + base verb → Don't run in the corridor. ✓

Don't (spoken)

Don't touch that!

Do not (formal)

Do not enter without permission. (signs)

Don't be late.

Do not use your phone here.

Let's — suggestion

Include yourself in the suggestion

Let's + base verb → Let's go to the cinema. ✓

Let's (positive)

Let's eat something.

Let's not (negative)

Let's not talk about that.

Let's = let us — it includes YOU. Use it to suggest doing something together.

Recap

Positive

base verb

Open the door. Come here.

Polite

please + base / base + please

Please sit. / Sit, please.

Negative

Don't + base

Don't run. Don't be late.

Suggestion

Let's + base

Let's go! Let's eat.

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