Imperative sentences
An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives a command, instruction, request or piece of advice. It usually begins with the base form of a verb, has no visible subject (the subject "you" is understood), and ends with either a full stop or an exclamation mark, for example: "Close the door."
Types of imperative sentences
Commands
Direct orders telling someone to do or not do something.
e.g. Sit down., Do not touch that wire.
Requests
Polite forms that soften a command, often adding 'please' or a question tag.
e.g. Please pass the salt., Close the window, will you?
Instructions
Step-by-step directions, common in manuals, recipes and exam questions.
e.g. Turn left at the corner., Whisk the eggs until smooth.
Advice and suggestions
Recommendations about what someone should do, often used in essays and speaking answers.
e.g. Consider both sides of the argument., Try to relax before the exam.
Warnings and prohibitions
Sentences that alert someone to danger or forbid an action.
e.g. Watch out!, Never leave a child unattended.
Rules to remember
- The subject 'you' is omitted but always implied; it can be added for emphasis, as in 'You be quiet!'
- The verb appears in its base (infinitive without 'to') form, regardless of who is being addressed: 'Go now.'
- Negative imperatives are formed with 'do not' or 'don't' before the base verb: 'Don't run in the hallway.'
- 'Let' is used to make imperatives that include the speaker or a third person: 'Let's begin.' or 'Let him speak.'
- Punctuation depends on tone: a full stop suits calm instructions, while an exclamation mark suits urgent commands or warnings.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| Open your books to page ten. | A classroom instruction using the base verb 'open' with an implied 'you'. |
| Please arrive by nine o'clock. | A polite request softened with 'please'. |
| Don't forget to save your work. | A negative imperative formed with 'don't' plus the base verb. |
| Let's discuss the results first. | An imperative with 'let's' that includes the speaker in the action. |
| Be careful on the wet floor! | A warning using the base form of 'be' with an exclamation mark for urgency. |
| Add two teaspoons of sugar, then stir well. | Two linked instructions typical of recipes or process descriptions. |
| Never share your password with anyone. | A strong prohibition using 'never' before the base verb. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: You go to the shop now.
Correct: Go to the shop now. (drop 'you' unless emphasising the subject)
Incorrect: Don't to worry about the results.
Correct: Don't worry about the results. (no 'to' before the base verb)
Incorrect: Lets begin the meeting.
Correct: Let's begin the meeting. (use the apostrophe: 'let's' = 'let us')
Why this matters for IELTS
In IELTS Speaking and Writing, imperative sentences let you give clear advice or instructions confidently, for example when suggesting solutions in Task 2 essays ("Consider raising public awareness") or giving directions in Speaking Part 2. Using them accurately, alongside more complex structures, shows the examiner you can vary sentence types correctly, which supports a higher score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy rather than relying only on statements and questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is an imperative sentence?
It is a sentence that gives a command, request, instruction or advice, usually starting with the base form of a verb and having an understood subject 'you', such as 'Sit down' or 'Please wait here'.
Does an imperative sentence always end with an exclamation mark?
No. Calm instructions and polite requests usually end with a full stop, while urgent commands or warnings often end with an exclamation mark, such as 'Stop!'
Can an imperative sentence have a subject?
Usually the subject 'you' is left out but understood; it can be stated for emphasis or clarity, as in 'You stay here, and you follow me.'
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