English Imperative Sentences - Most Common Imperative Verbs

What are “Imperative Sentences”?

The word "imperative" is derived from the term "emperor".

Imperative sentences are used to give commands (orders).

Imperative sentences are also used to give instructions/advice/suggestions/warnings/invitations/appeals.

Imperative sentences are also used to make a request. You should use ‘please’ (or another polite word) at the beginning or at the end of the sentence to make a request.

An imperative sentence begins with the base (first) form of a verb which is also called a verb word. In an imperative sentence, the subject - ‘you’ - is understood. However, for the first and third-person imperative, the imperative sentence begins with ‘let’.

You can end an imperative sentence with the period (.) or exclamation (!). Exclamation is used to show direct and firm command.

‘Imperative’ is one of the three moods of an English verb (indicative, imperative and subjunctive).

EXAMPLES OF IMPERATIVE SENTENCES:

(A). DIRECT ORDER

Attend the meeting.

Discharge your duty.

Enforce the law.

Quash the previous order.

Return to work.

Vacate this place.

(B). INSTRUCTION

Climb the stairs.

Fill out this form.

Go on foot.

Hang a painting.

Light a candle.

Note this down.

Open up the cage.

Push a trolley.

Spell it out.

Tie your shoelaces.

Unpack the luggage.

(C). INFORMAL ADVICE

Book a hotel room.

Improve your appearance.

Mend your ways.

Walk elegantly.

(D). SUGGESTION

Follow your dreams

Keep up your English.

(E). WARNING

Don’t Jump that gate!

Watch out for a traffic signal!

(F). INVITATION

Come to the party with me.

Have a meal with us.

Let’s stay at my house.

(G). APPEAL

Be Silent.

Let’s curb the menace of drug addiction.

(H). REQUEST

Give me five hundred dollars, please.

Come soon, please.

Other Uses of Imperative Sentences:

1. Wish -- Have a safe journey.

2. Apology -- Pardon me.

3. Permission -- Join us if you want.

4. Public Notice --

Imperatives are used on signboards or notice boards:

Keep off the grass.

Insert your ATM card.

Pull the door.

Push inside.

Important Note -- An imperative sentence can imply different senses (command/instruction/advice, etc.) based on the intonation. [Note: ‘Intonation’ is defined as the rise and fall of the voice in speaking, as this affects the meaning of what is being said.]

English Imperative Sentences -- A

Abide by the commission’s verdict.

Accept his decision.

Achieve your target.

Acknowledge the achievements of women.

Acquire land for road infrastructure.

Act quickly. / Act swiftly.

Add details to this report.

Address a press conference.

Address his concerns regarding payments next week.

Address their demands.

Adhere to the standard operating procedure.

Adjust the rules to help consumers.

Adjust to a new location.

Admire your parents.

Adopt a good strategy in choosing the right candidates.

Adopt a long-term vision for the industry.

Adopt modern technology.

Adopt a wait-and-watch policy.

Aim it.

Airlift the injured to the state capital for treatment.

Allow her to explain herself completely without interrupting her.

Allow him to return home.

Alter the course of your life.

Amend the act.

Analyze the reasons for your defeat.

Analyze the sample.

Announce your candidacy.

Answer the question.

Anticipate rate hikes.

Apologize if you hurt someone.

Apply colors on his forehead.

Apply for a job.

Apply for marks verification.

Apply for a passport.

Appoint a manager.

Appreciate compassionate behavior.

Approach him for help.

Approach the court.

Approve the plan.

Arrange everything before it is late.

Arrange for cash to meet your expenses.

Arrange funds from your relatives.

Arrange funds on your own.

Arrive early on the scene.

Ask for a receipt.

Ask for more information.

Ask him his name.

Ask him what had happened.

Ask politely.

Ask the right questions.