Imperative Sentences in Standard English

Imperative Sentences

• An imperative sentence gives instructions, requests, or demands, or shares a wish or invitation.
• They tell someone what to do or reflect something you want to happen.

Definitions of Imperatives

• An imperative is a word expressing a command.
• Imperative is defined as a type of construction which is the only prototype of a function that is an expression.

Types of Imperatives

Affirmative Imperatives

• The most common and direct form of the imperative.
• Formed by using the infinitive of the verb without the "to".
• Can be accompanied by other expressions such as "just", "please", and "if you don't mind" to soften the tone.

Negative Imperatives

• The negative form of the affirmative imperative requires the addition of the auxiliaries "do" + "not" (don't in its contracted form) to the infinitive version of the verb without the "to".

Exhortative Imperatives

• More than an imperative, this imperative is an exhortation and only applies to the first-person plural.
• Formed using the prefix "let's" and the infinitive of the verb without "to" in the affirmative form.
• Can be accompanied by "please".
• In the negative form, the addition of the negation "not" is required between the prefix and the verb.

Using Imperatives for Suggestions

• The imperative can be used to give suggestions or to make proposals.
• Two constructions: "Let's" + infinitive verb without the "to" and "Why don't we" + infinitive verb without the "to".

Elements of Imperative

• Imperative are verbs used to give orders, commands, and requests.
• Can be used to make a request if accompanied by "please".