Form

1. Use and Form of the imperative
The Imperative
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2. Sentence structure
The sentence structure of imperatives is relatively easy:
verb (base form) + object / complement
Negative imperatives add do + not (don’t) before the base form of the verb.
Notice that the sentence has no explicit subject.
You say:
Eat vegetables to stay healthy! Go to bed!
Don't watch too much TV. Do not eat too much candy! Don't go to bed late!
Don’t forget to call!
You don’t say:
You eat vegetables to stay healthy! You go to bed!
You don't watch too much TV! You do not eat too much candy.
You don’t go late to bed! You don’t forget to call!

3. When do we use imperatives?
The imperative is used for:
giving instructions:
Take the second turning on the right..
Check your answers before handing in your test.
giving orders:
Do your homework!
Eat up your soup!
Don’t walk on the grass!
giving advice or suggestions:
Quit your job if you really hate it.
Study English every day if you want to be fluent.
Stop smoking before you get sick.
offering something:
Have some more tea.
Take my umbrella if it’s raining.
Come to the cinema with me

4. When do we use imperatives?
Imperatives can often feel quite strong, even when meant as advice, so the speake
r may add please or should to the sentence.
•You should pay the rent if you want to keep the flat.
•Please pay the rent if you want to keep the flat.
•Pay the rent if you want to keep the flat!
All three offer advice. The first sentence is the weakest. The second sentence is a
little forceful, but the listener should definitely follow the speaker's advice in the t
hird
sentence.