The imperative: Sit down! Don’t talk!

Exercises: 1 2 3

Exercise 2

Choose the correct forms to complete the following sentences.

1 _____ to the cinema. There is a good film today.

A.You go

B.Don't go

C.Let's go

2 _____ candy. It's bad for your teeth.

A.You don't eat

B.Let's eat

C.Don't eat

3 _____ to the party. I'm very tired and I want to go to bed.

A.Let's don't go

B.You don't go

C.Let's not go

4 _____ here, please.

A.Come

B.You come

C.Let's come

5 _____ this book. It's horrible.

A.Let's read

B.Don't read

C.You don't read

6 _____ the window, please. It's very cold outside.

A.You don't open

B.Open

C.Don't open

7 _____ the light, please. It's very dark.

A.Let's turn on

B.Don't turn

C.Turn on

8 _____ sad for me. I'm OK.

A.Aren't

B.Don't be

C.You not be

9 The fridge is empty. _____ to a restaurant today.

A.Let's go

B.You go

C.Don't go

10 A: '_____ a piece of cake.' B: 'Thanks.'

A.Let's have

B.Have

C.Don't have

Exercises: 1 2 3

The imperative: Grammar chart

Visual chart outlining the imperative form in English with examples of positive and negative commands and uses for offers, advice, instructions, orders, and warnings.

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Form

The form of the verb used for the imperative is the base form of the verb (=the infinitive without to). There is no subject.
The negative imperative is made with do not or don’t + infinitive (no subject).

Use

You can use the imperative to:

Give instructions

Open the package carefully.
Connect the cable to the plug.

Give orders

Fasten your seatbelt.
Stop talking!
Run!

Offer something or invite someone to something

Have some cookies.
Come and sit with us.

Give advice

Get some sleep.
Tell her how you feel.
Go and have fun.

Give warnings

Don’t touch that cable.
Please, Stop the car!

Let’s

Make suggestions

You can use the form let’s + verb or let’s not + verb to make suggestions.

(+) It’s very hot today. Let’s go to the swimming pool.
(-) Let’s not go out today. I’m very tired.