Contents
Form of the imperative
The imperative form is the same as the bare infinitive. It has only one form for both second person singular and plural ‘you’
Examples:
- hurry up; you’ll be late
- go out immediately
In the negative form you add ‘do not’ or ‘don’t’
Examples:
- Don’t disturb me; I’m working.
- Do not smoke!
Use of the imperative
You can use the imperative to give instructions, commands, advice or to invite:
1. To give instructions
- Push the button
- Turn left
2. To give commands
- Stop saying nonesense
- don’t lie.
3. To give advice
- Go to hospital; you are ill
- Tell her that you love her
4. To invite
- Please, come to the party
- Have a drink
Use of the emphatic do with the imperative
You can use ‘do‘ before the imperative to emphasize what you want to say:
Example:
- Do write down your name.
- Do think of our offer.