What is the Imperative Present?
Imperative Present is the form we use to give orders, instructions, advice, or requests in English. It uses the base form of the verb (the dictionary form) without a subject like I, you, or we. The meaning is usually directed to “you,” even if “you” is not written.
A simple example
- Close the door.
The elements of the Imperative Present
The Imperative Present is simple, but it has clear parts. Most imperative sentences include:
| Element | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base verb | The verb in its base form (no -s, no -ed) | Open the window. |
| Object / complement (optional) | What the action is about | Open the window. |
| Negative form | Do not / Don’t + base verb | Don’t touch that. |
| Polite markers (optional) | Words that make it softer | Please sit down. |
1) Positive imperatives (commands and instructions)
Use the base verb. The subject is usually not written.
- Turn on the light.
- Speak slowly.
- Write your name here.
2) Negative imperatives (what not to do)
Use Don’t (or Do not) + base verb.
- Don’t run.
- Don’t forget your passport.
- Do not park here.
3) Polite imperatives (requests)
Add polite words to sound friendly. The grammar stays the same.
- Please wait a moment.
- Please don’t worry.
- Help me, please.
4) Imperatives with “let’s” (suggestions)
Use Let’s + base verb to suggest an action together.
- Let’s go.
- Let’s start the meeting.
- Let’s not argue.
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Instruction to “you” | Listen carefully. |
| Don’t + verb | Negative instruction | Don’t interrupt. |
| Let’s + verb | Suggestion for “we” | Let’s take a break. |
Why the Imperative Present is important
You hear the imperative form every day. It is common in classrooms, workplaces, signs, recipes, and apps. It helps you give clear instructions and understand what other people want you to do.
- In a recipe: “Add salt. Mix well.”
- On a sign: “Keep off the grass.”
- At work: “Send the email today.”
Comparison with other languages
English imperatives are often simpler than French imperatives. In English, we usually use the base verb with no ending. In French, the verb form changes more often.
| Meaning | English | French |
|---|---|---|
| Command (you) | Speak! | Parle ! / Parlez ! |
| Negative command | Don’t speak! | Ne parle pas ! / Ne parlez pas ! |
| Polite request | Please sit down. | Asseyez-vous, s’il vous plaît. |
| Suggestion (we) | Let’s go. | Allons-y. |
Note: In English, “you” is understood. In French, the imperative often shows if it is tu or vous.
Complete example
Here is a short dialogue using several imperative forms:
- Teacher: Open your books to page 10.
- Teacher: Read the first paragraph.
- Teacher: Don’t translate every word. Try to understand the main idea.
- Teacher: Please work in pairs.
- Student A: Let’s answer question 1 together.
- Student B: Good idea. Don’t rush. Take your time.
Conclusion
The Imperative Present is the verb form for commands, instructions, requests, and suggestions. It uses the base verb, often with no subject. Learn it well, because it appears everywhere in everyday English.
Sources
- Huddleston, Rodney & Pullum, Geoffrey K. (2002). The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge University Press.
- Quirk, Randolph; Greenbaum, Sidney; Leech, Geoffrey; Svartvik, Jan (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman.
- Swan, Michael (2016). Practical English Usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.