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Imperative Verbs

January 23, 2018

English language learners are taught early on that English sentences take a subject and a verb. The common sentence pattern “SVO” (subject-verb-object) gets drilled into their brains. What happens when those students see sentences with no subject, such as “Close the door” or “Don’t run in the hallways”?

Verbs that don’t have an obvious subject are called imperative verbs, and they are usually taught early on since they use the simple present tense. Use the teaching tips below to make sure your students understand the form and function of these common verbs.

Form

Imperative verbs take the first position in a sentence, so you can teach students to think of the pattern as V (+ O) instead of the usual S + V (+ O).

Imperative verbs actually do have a subject, but it is never stated. That subject is you (the second person singular or plural).

Imperative verbs are always stated in the simple present. Because the subject is the unstated you, the verb form is the simple present, second person singular form (which looks like a base verb). It never takes an -s (third person singular) ending.

  • Relax.
  • Finish your homework.
  • Take a deep breath.

The negative form of imperative verbs also follows the negative simple present, second person singular form (do + not + verb). It is often contracted to don’t + verb.

  • Do not speak French.
  • Don’t run.
  • Don’t work too late.

Imperative verbs don’t have a regular question form. Questions in English almost always include a subject. For example, Do you like pizza? is correct, but Do like pizza? is not correct. For higher‑level learners, you may wish to point out that imperative verbs can be used for very informal questions (usually to confirm something). For example, we can say Bring a jacket, right? or Pass you this one or that one?

Function

We use imperative verbs to give commands or directions, state rules, or give advice. In fact, the word imperative means commanding/important/controlling.

Remind English language learners that imperative verbs can be directed at one person (i.e., the second person singular) or two or more people (i.e., the second person plural). Common uses of imperative verbs include:

Use #1

Parents telling children what to do

  • Do your homework!
  • Do the dishes.
  • Eat your dinner.
  • Don’t play with your food!

Use #2

Teachers giving instructions to students

  • Finish the exercise on page 8.
  • Stop talking!
  • Open your books to Chapter 2.
  • Don’t look at your phones in class.

Use #3

Employers giving instructions to employees

  • Hand in that report by Friday.
  • Don’t forget about the meeting tomorrow.
  • Turn your computer off when you leave.
  • Stop by my office.

Use #4

People in authority, such as police officers, telling other people what to do

  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Put all metal objects into this container.
  • Fill out this form.
  • Show me your ID.

Use #5

Rules, guidelines, or laws

  • Don’t run by the pool.
  • Do not trespass.
  • Take off your shoes.
  • Dress appropriately.

Use #6

Friends or family members giving advice

  • Don’t forget to call him back.
  • Follow up with an email.
  • Don’t borrow money from friends.
  • Ask me for help anytime.

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Comments (17)

Tarik A.(Student)

Don't look your phone in class

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

That's a great example of an imperative verb, Tarik! And great advice too.

Brehin B.(Teacher)

that is good a bit of great advice.

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Thanks for your comment, Brehin!

mohamed hussein(Guest)

I learn Bad or good job interview.So I right now I get good idea If I have job interview how I could be formal

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Hi Mohamed! That's great that you're learning formal usage for a job interview. I would recommend not using imperative verbs during an interview because they wouldn't sound as polite. If you have questions for your potential employer, you can use these modals: could and may. E.g., Could I ask about the benefits? May I ask if you offer flexible hours?

Jongjin Y.(Member)

Can I use the verb "like" as an imperative verb?
For example, can I say, "Like this pizza." to mean you should like this pizza. Thank you very much in advance.

Reply to Comment

Tara Benwell(Author)

Great question! It would be more natural to use the verb "enjoy" in the imperative here: "Enjoy your pizza."

You might see "like/love" as an imperative when someone is giving strong (almost rude) advice: "Like it or leave!" (Learn to like/love your job/marriage or quit and move on!)

You might also see "like" in the imperative in reference to social media: "Like this post for a chance to win free tickets!"

Reply to Comment

wesam Al HajAli(Guest)

Arrive on time, speak calmly and be respectful of the interview

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

These are great examples of imperative verbs in context! Note that we say "at the interview" or "during the interview," not "of the interview."

Eman A.(Student)

I like to use imperative verbs because in everyday dialogue, like come here, take this, go to......

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Good examples, Eman! You're right about imperative verbs being common in dialogues.

Raisa C.(Student)

Don't delay , don't use cell phone during the tests , go to bed at 9:00 pm. ,come to afternoon meeting ,come in , open the window .

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

Great examples, Raisa! Thanks for sharing them.

Jihan H.(Member)

It's best to be 15minute earlier to the interview time
You should be very polite
You should not late
It's best to be honest
You should be creative with your answers
You should not talk about your family

Reply to Comment

Tanya Trusler(Author)

This is good advice for an interview! But if you wanted to turn this advice into imperative sentences, you'd need to drop the subject and the modal of advice: Be 15 minutes early. / Be very polite. / Don't be late. / etc.

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