• Imperatives have no subject.
• They do not show a tense.

Positive Statements Negative Statements

Use the regular verb first Use do not in front of a regular verb

– Open the door please, Tom. – Do not leave your rubbish behind!

Use please at the beginning or end of the imperative sentence to make it more polite.

– Please give me some money.

– Give me your name, please.

Imperatives have different functions and purposes.

• Give advice or make a suggestion
  • Don’t stay up too late tonight.
• Give a warning when there is danger
  • Look out for the hole.
• Give directions or instructions
  • Turn left at the end of the street.
• Make a polite request
  • Help me with these boxes, please.
• Politely offer something
  • Have some medicine.
• Give an order
  • Don’t walk on the grass!