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Rules›Imperatives: commands and let's
A1

Imperatives: commands and let's

The imperative uses the base verb for commands, with don't for the negative and please to soften it. Let's + base verb suggests an action that includes the speaker; don't let's is the negative and Shall we ... ? asks for agreement.

  1. base verb, Don't, please

    When to use it
    A command uses the base verb only, with no subject before it.
    The negative imperative is don't + verb.
    Please makes an imperative more polite without changing the verb.
    Imperatives appear in instructions, warnings, and directions.

    Build an example

    Verb
    Tone
    Openthe windowplease

    Open the window, please.

    Add please to make the request softer; the verb form stays the same.

    Signal words
    pleasedon'tdo notbe careful
    Common mistake
    You open the window.Open the window.
    Basic imperatives need no subject before the verb. The listener is already understood.
    ✗ Every full English sentence must show the subject.
    ✓ Imperatives normally drop the subject. Open the door is a complete sentence.