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Use of Imperatives

HeyGen Introduction Video

Imperatives are special sentences we use to give instructions, commands, or advice. They are often short, direct, and easy to understand.

  • Example: ā€œSit down!ā€
  • Example: ā€œOpen the window!ā€

Notice: We don’t usually say the subject (ā€œyouā€). It’s understood.

Here is a video explaining the basics of imperatives in English.


How to Form Imperatives

Just use the base form of the verb (the simplest form).

Examples:

  • ā€œListen!ā€ → pay attention
  • ā€œRun!ā€ → move fast
  • ā€œWrite your name!ā€ → use a pencil and paper

Common Uses of Imperatives

Here are some common imperatives.

1. Imperatives for the Classroom šŸ«

  • Sit down! – Take a seat.
  • Stand up! – Get on your feet.
  • Open your book – Take out your book and open it.
  • Close your book – Finish and close it.
  • Listen – Pay attention.
  • Read – Say the words out loud.
  • Write – Put words on paper.
  • Repeat – Say it again.
  • Stop! – Don’t continue.

2. Imperatives for Everyday Life šŸ 

  • Eat / Drink – Have food or a drink.
  • Don’t eat that! / Don’t drink that! – Warning or advice.
  • Come here – Move closer.
  • Go! – Start moving.
  • Wait! – Stop and stay.
  • Be careful! – Watch out!

3. Imperatives for Travel & Directions šŸ—ŗļø

  • Go straight! – Keep moving forward.
  • Turn left! – Move to the left.
  • Turn right! – Move to the right.
  • Stop here! – Pause at this place.
  • Look! – Pay attention and see.
  • Follow me! – Come with me.

4. Fun & Game Imperatives šŸŽ®

  • Jump! – Move off the ground.
  • Run! – Move fast.
  • Clap! – Use your hands to make sound.
  • Sing! – Say a song.
  • Play! – Start playing.
  • Don’t run! / Don’t shout! – Rules or warnings.

Negative Imperatives āŒ

To tell someone NOT to do something, use Don’t + verb.

  • ā€œDon’t run in the classroom.ā€
  • ā€œDon’t open the door.ā€
  • ā€œDon’t touch the cat!ā€

Negative imperatives are polite but clear. You can useĀ pleaseĀ to be more polite.

  • ā€œPlease don’t run in the classroom.ā€
  • ā€œDon’t open the door, please.ā€
  • ā€œPlase don’t touch the cat!ā€

1. In this activity, you must move the imperative to its correct category

2. In this game, click on the moles that are using an imperative. Don’t click on the wrong ones!