Imperatives (Giving Instructions)
Give instructions, directions and advice with the base verb, and say what not to do with Don't. Practical beginner grammar with 20 questions.
The imperative is how we give instructions, directions, orders, and advice. Your tutor uses it in every lesson: “Open your book.” “Listen carefully.” “Don’t worry.” It is one of the simplest forms in English.
How to make it: just the base verb
To give an instruction, use the base verb with no subject. You don’t say “you” — it is understood.
| Base verb | Imperative |
|---|---|
| open | Open your book. |
| listen | Listen carefully. |
| sit | Sit down, please. |
| come | Come here. |
No subject neededWe say “Close the door,” not “You close the door.” The person you are speaking to is already clear.
The negative: Don’t + base verb
To tell someone not to do something, start with Don’t.
- Don’t worry — it’s easy!
- Don’t be late for class.
- Don’t forget your homework.
Making it polite
Add please to make an instruction softer and more polite.
- Please sit down. / Sit down, please.
- Please open your books to page ten.
Common uses
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Classroom instructions | Repeat after me. Write your name. |
| Directions | Turn left. Go straight. Stop here. |
| Advice / encouragement | Take your time. Don’t give up. |
| Warnings | Be careful! Watch out! |
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersThe English imperative is wonderfully simple — just one form of the verb for everyone, with no subject. Two reminders: don’t add “you” at the start (not “You open the book” when giving an order), and for the negative always use Don’t + base verb: “Don’t worry.”
Common mistakes
- You sit down. (as an instruction) → Sit down.
- No worry. → Don’t worry.
- Don’t to be late. → Don’t be late.
Practise the imperative with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1.Give an instruction with "open":
Base verb, no subject: Open your book.
2.Which is a correct imperative?
Listen carefully.
3.Does the imperative need a subject?
No subject — it is understood.
4.Negative imperative of "worry":
Don't + base verb: Don't worry.
5.Which is correct?
Don't be late.
6.Make it polite: "___ sit down."
Please sit down.
7.Which is correct?
Close the door.
8."___ forget your homework!" (negative)
Don't forget.
9.A direction using the imperative:
Turn left.
10.Which is a warning (imperative)?
Be careful!
11.Polite request, end position: "Sit down, ___."
Sit down, please.
12.Which is correct?
Don't worry.
13.Classroom instruction: "___ after me."
Repeat after me.
14."___ your name here." (write)
Write your name here.
15.Encouragement: "___ give up!" (negative)
Don't give up!
16.Which is correct negative?
Don't + base verb: Don't talk.
17."___ here, please." (come)
Come here, please.
18.Which sentence gives advice?
Take your time. (advice/imperative)
19."Please ___ to page ten." (turn)
Please turn to page ten.
20.Which is the correct imperative form of "to be" (negative)?
Don't be noisy.
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