Use of Imperatives
HeyGen Introduction Video
Content
Imperatives are special sentences we use to give instructions, commands, or advice. They are often short, direct, and easy to understand.
- Example: āSit down!ā
- Example: āOpen the window!ā
Notice: We donāt usually say the subject (āyouā). Itās 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:
- āListen!ā ā pay attention
- āRun!ā ā move fast
- āWrite your name!ā ā use a pencil and paper
Common Uses of Imperatives

Here are some common imperatives.
1. Imperatives for the Classroom š«
- Sit down! ā Take a seat.
- Stand up! ā Get on your feet.
- Open your book ā Take out your book and open it.
- Close your book ā Finish and close it.
- Listen ā Pay attention.
- Read ā Say the words out loud.
- Write ā Put words on paper.
- Repeat ā Say it again.
- Stop! ā Donāt continue.
2. Imperatives for Everyday Life š
- Eat / Drink ā Have food or a drink.
- Donāt eat that! / Donāt drink that! ā Warning or advice.
- Come here ā Move closer.
- Go! ā Start moving.
- Wait! ā Stop and stay.
- Be careful! ā Watch out!
3. Imperatives for Travel & Directions šŗļø
- Go straight! ā Keep moving forward.
- Turn left! ā Move to the left.
- Turn right! ā Move to the right.
- Stop here! ā Pause at this place.
- Look! ā Pay attention and see.
- Follow me! ā Come with me.
4. Fun & Game Imperatives š®
- Jump! ā Move off the ground.
- Run! ā Move fast.
- Clap! ā Use your hands to make sound.
- Sing! ā Say a song.
- Play! ā Start playing.
- Donāt run! / Donāt shout! ā Rules or warnings.
Negative Imperatives ā
To tell someone NOT to do something, use Donāt + verb.
- āDonāt run in the classroom.ā
- āDonāt open the door.ā
- āDonāt touch the cat!ā
Negative imperatives are polite but clear. You can useĀ pleaseĀ to be more polite.
- āPlease donāt run in the classroom.ā
- āDonāt open the door, please.ā
- āPlase donāt touch the cat!ā
Practice Zone
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. Donāt click on the wrong ones!