verb + object/complementUse the base verb. The subject you is understood, so it is not normally said.
Imperatives
A1Use the base verb to give instructions, requests, warnings, and commands. Use don't for negative imperatives and let's for suggestions with us.
What you'll learn
- Give a command with the base verb only.
- Tell someone not to do something with don't + verb.
- Make a suggestion for us with let's + verb.
- Use please to make an imperative more polite.
Structure
do not / don't + verb + object/complementUse don't or do not before the base verb to tell someone not to do something.
let's + verbUse let's when the speaker includes themself: Let's start. Let's go home.
Build a sentence
Verb
Tone
Openplease
Open the window, please.
Add please to make the request softer.
When to use
Instructions
Recipes, manuals, and classroom tasks often use imperatives: Open the book. Mix the eggs. Turn left.
Warnings
Use imperatives for quick warnings and urgent advice: Watch out. Don't touch that. Be careful.
Requests
Add please when you ask for something politely: Please sit down. Pass me the menu, please.
Markers
pleasedon'tdo notlet'sbe careful
Common mistakes
Wrong
You open the window.
Correct
Open the window.
Basic imperatives do not need a subject before the verb. The listener is already understood.
Wrong
To sit down, please.
Correct
Sit down, please.
Imperatives start with the base verb, not to + verb.
Wrong
Not open this door.
Correct
Don't open this door.
Negative imperatives need don't or do not before the verb.
Wrong
Don't be touch that wire.
Correct
Don't touch that wire.
After don't, use the base verb directly. Do not add be before an action verb.
Wrong
Let us go now.
Correct
Let's go now.
For a simple suggestion with us, English normally uses let's.
Common misconceptions
❝ Every full English sentence must show the subject. ❞
Imperatives normally drop the subject. Open the door is a complete sentence.
❝ If I add please, I need a different verb form. ❞
Please changes the tone, not the verb form. Say Open the window, please.
Skills in this rule (5)
BASE_VERB_FOR_COMMANDSw5Use the base verb for commands and instructions
To tell someone what to do, start with the base verb. Do not add a subject before the verb in a normal imperative.
DO_NOT_FOR_NEGATIVEw5Make negative imperatives with do not or don't
To tell someone not to do something, use do not or don't before the base verb. The main verb stays in the base form.
LETS_FOR_USw4Use let's for suggestions with us
When the speaker includes themself and another person, use let's + base verb. Use it for suggestions like a plan or shared action.
PLEASE_FOR_POLITE_REQUESTSw3Add please to make an imperative more polite
Use please at the beginning or end of the imperative to sound softer. The verb form does not change.
USE_FOR_INSTRUCTIONS_WARNINGSw3Use imperatives for instructions, warnings, and directions
Imperatives are common in signs, recipes, manuals, directions, and quick warnings. They focus on the action the listener should do or avoid.