Orders, Requests & Advice
Tell someone what to do: the imperative is just the verb, first. One rule, five patterns, and when to add please. Extra details are tucked away at the bottom.
What is the Imperative?
Four jobs for one verb
The imperative is the simplest sentence in English: just the verb, first, no subject. You use it to order, to request, to warn — and every day on signs.
Orders & instructions
Direct commands: Open, Go, Stop.
Open your books.
Requests
Same shape, softer with please.
Please sit down.
Warnings
Stop someone fast with a short verb.
Careful! Be careful!
Negatives with don't
Say what NOT to do: don't + verb.
Don't run!
⚠️ No subject, no to — just the verb, first.
The Formula
Verb first, and nothing else
The command drops the subject (you) and uses the bare verb. Negative? Put don’t in front. Friendly? Add please. One pattern, four hats.
Openyour books
Don'trunin the hall
Pleaseclosethe door
Let'sgohome
Common Mistakes
Five traps to escape
The imperative sounds simple, but the subject creeps back in and to sneaks after don’t. Here is how to keep it clean.
You go home!
Go home!
💡 The imperative drops the subject — just the verb.
Don't to run!
Don't run!
💡 After don't, the verb stays bare: no to.
Please to sit down.
Please sit down.
💡 Please never takes to: please + base verb.
Don't be not late.
Don't be late.
💡 One negative is enough: don't + be + adjective.
Let's to go!
Let's go!
💡 Let's is already a helper — the verb follows bare.
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned
Three minutes, five questions — check what stuck. No essay questions, we promise.
___ the door, please.
💡 Karagdagang impormasyon2 na seksyon
Softer Ways to Ask
Three dials from command to request
A bare imperative is fine with friends, but strangers like it softer. Please, just, and a question form all turn the volume down.
Please — front or back
Works in both spotsPlease wait · Wait, please
Just — makes it gentle
Softens the commandJust take one
Ask instead of order
A question is always a requestCan you help me?
⚠️ Same job, smaller voice: please, just, and can you.
Imperatives Everywhere
The world talks in commands
Look around: signs, apps, and recipes all speak the imperative. Spot the verb-first shape and you can read half the city.