IMPERATIVES IN REAL-WORLD CONTEXTS (A2 Grammar)

At A2, use imperatives in real-world situations: recipes, directions, and workplace instructions.

Quick tip: Real-world imperatives: RECIPES (add, mix, boil), DIRECTIONS (turn, go, follow), WORKPLACE (send, review, contact).

Recipes & Cooking Instructions

Use imperatives to give step-by-step cooking instructions.

• Add the flour and mix well.
• Boil the water for 10 minutes.
• Don't overcook the pasta.
• Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Directions & Navigation

Use imperatives to give clear directions to places.

• Turn left at the traffic lights.
• Go straight for two blocks.
• Don't take the highway—it's busy.
• Follow the signs to the museum.

Workplace & Professional Instructions

Use imperatives for clear workplace communication.

• Please send the report by Friday.
• Don't forget to save your work.
• Contact IT if you have problems.
• Review the document before the meeting.

Sequencing with First, Then, Next

Use sequence words to organize multiple steps.

• First, preheat the oven. Then, prepare the ingredients.
• Next, add the vegetables. Finally, serve hot.
• First, log in. Then, click 'Settings'.

Common mistakes

• Not "You add the salt" — say "Add the salt". No 'you' in imperatives—use base verb only.
• Not "Don't to forget" — say "Don't forget". No 'to' after DON'T.
• Not "Turns left here" — say "Turn left here". No -s ending in imperatives.

Practise it

Think about CONTEXT: cooking → add, mix, boil | directions → turn, go, follow | work → send, review, contact.