Imperatives (A1 Grammar)

Use imperatives for commands and instructions. Just use the base verb!

Quick tip: Base verb only. No 'you', no -s. Negative = Don't + verb.

Form: Base Verb Only

Use the base verb with no subject (no 'you').

• Stop!
• Listen carefully.
• Open your books.

Negative: Don't + verb

Use Don't + base verb to say NOT to do something.

• Don't run!
• Don't be late.
• Don't worry.

Add 'please' to be polite

Add please at the start or end for politeness.

• Please sit down.
• Close the door, please.
• Please don't be late.

Common mistakes

• Not "You stop!" — say "Stop!". No 'you' in imperatives.
• Not "Not run!" — say "Don't run!". Use 'Don't', not 'not'.
• Not "Don't to go!" — say "Don't go!". No 'to' after Don't.

Practise it

Commands = base verb. No subject, no -s, no 'to'.