Imperative Sentences
Imperatives commonly give instructions, advice, requests, commands, or suggestions. Their grammatical form does not by itself determine politeness or force, so context and softening expressions such as “please” matter.
An imperative sentence or clause typically uses the base form of the verb and usually leaves the second-person subject unspoken: “Close the door.” Negative imperatives use “do not/don’t”: “Don’t close the door.”
Key details
Further guidance
Form
Begin the ordinary imperative with the base verb: “Turn left.” The addressee is usually understood rather than written as an explicit subject.
Negative
Use “do not” or “don’t” before the base verb for a negative imperative: “Do not enter.”
Tone
Imperatives are direct. Add context, “please,” or another appropriate softener when the social situation calls for a less abrupt request.
Worked Example
“Save the file before closing the program” is an instruction in imperative form. “Please save the file before closing the program” keeps the same grammar while softening the request.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Imperative clauses (Be quiet!) (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Explains imperative form, omitted subjects, base verbs, negative forms and common functions such as instructions, requests and commands.
- Clause types (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Separates declarative/interrogative clause functions from imperative structure, supporting a guide that distinguishes indicative use from other mood/force labels without conflating them.