Imperative sentences in English: Meaning, Use cases, Tips and Examples

Imperative sentences are the most commonly used sentences to make a command, request, advice, or instruct. They use the base form of the verb and usually address “you” as the implied subject. Imperative sentences are most commonly used in recipes, instructions, classroom tasks, and spoken English. Here are some examples:

• Command: Stop talking.
• Request: Please take a seat.
• Advice: Don’t use this plate.

An imperative sentence, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is “a sentence that expresses a command. It's a grammatical mood used to give instructions, make requests, or issue commands.”

An imperative sentence, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is “a sentence that expresses a command or a request. It tells someone to do something. Imperative sentences often don't explicitly state the subject, as it's implied to be "you". They frequently use the base form of the verb.”

It is pronounced as /ɪmˈper.ə.t̬ɪv ˈsen.təns/.

The word "imperative" is stressed on the second syllable, "per", and "sentence" is stressed on the first syllable, "sen".

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Students can find below different types of imperative sentences depending upon different situations and uses in English language:

Types of Imperative Sentences

An imperative sentence structure typically consists of a verb in its base form, often without a stated subject, as the subject ("you") is implied. These sentences usually end with a period (.), but can also end with an exclamation mark (!) to emphasize. For example:

• Don’t open the door. (subject ‘you’ is not directly stated, base form of verb used-open, ending with period)
• Stop talking! (subject ‘you’ is not directly stated, base form of verb used-talking, ending with exclamation mark)

Also Read: Punctuations in English

While imperative sentences usually omit the subject "you" as it's understood to be the person being addressed. However, there are some exception in this too. Let’s take a look at some such special cases:

Stating the Subject Explicitly 

There are some cases of imperative sentences where the subject is explicitly stated. This is done for emphasis or clarity of the message and thought of the sentence. These imperative sentences specify about the person or the group of people, who are being talked to.  

• You students, take out your books!
• Everyone, please remain seated.
• You be careful!

Third-person Imperatives

These Imperatives are formed by using the verb "let" followed by a noun or pronoun in the objective case. In this case, the third person noun or pronoun is specified in the sentence. These sentences also express a command or request. For example:

• Let him
• Let them decide about the movie.
• Let us go to the next building.

Conditional Imperatives

These imperative sentences express a command or request that are conditional. They don’t use the direct or indirect subject, but talk about a suggestion or a command, that is dependent upon a situation. For example:

• We will go out for dinner if you finish your homework early.
• Take an umbrella if it’s too hot outside.

Also Read: Interjections in English Grammar

Imperative statements are used to express a demand or make a suggestion, while indicative statements are used to express a fact.

Let’s take a deeper look into these two with their examples, to understand the difference better.

Imperative v/s Indicative Sentences

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• English Subject and Predicate: Meaning and Examples
• English Vocabulary: Tips and Rules

Students can follow simple tips mentioned below, to master the correct usage of imperative sentences in English language:

• Students need to focus and have clarity on the meaning of imperative sentences to be able to use them efficiently. They should know the core functions of these sentences, which are, giving commands, instructions, or requests.
• Practice a lot by making such sentences. Students should keep in mind to use basic form of verb and indirect subject, to structure these sentences.
• Students should know when and how to use punctuation in these sentences. While full stop is commonly used, exclamation mark also end imperative sentences for emphasis and forceful commands.
• Practice using imperative sentences in daily conversations, like giving directions or asking for help. Observe how imperative sentences are used in books, articles, or conversations.
• Use online tools and other learning platforms for assistance and understanding of the topic.

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