The imperative form is the root form of the verb, because the subject is you. The root is the same form we use in the simple present when the subject is you, just without the subject!
You clean.
→ Simple presentClean!
→ Imperative
English Articles
How to give commands in English?
By: Erin Kuester Thu Sep 12 2024
To form a command in English, we use the imperative form (or the imperative mood). You will use a command to tell someone else what to do. Here are some examples of English commands
Clean the house!
Take out the trash!
Walk the dog!
Maybe you will give a command because you are in charge of a project and need to tell coworkers what to work on. Or, maybe you’re the bossy older sibling!
In this article, we’ll teach you how to form commands with the imperative, and then we’ll talk about some ways to make your commands more polite. Did you know that many English speakers avoid giving commands with the imperative? Keep reading to learn why!
Table of Contents
How to form the imperative in English?
To form the imperative, just use the rootNo definition set for rootLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. or base form of a verb (or the infinitive without to):
to run → Run!
to sing → Sing!
In English, a command does not need a subject. This is because the subject is almost always the person receiving the command (you). We’ll talk about a few exceptions later on!
Tip
What is a positive command in English?
We give a positive command when we do want an action to happen. For example, after cooking dinner, your roommate might ask how they can help, and you tell them
Wash the dishes!
Or, if you’re shopping at the grocery store, after the cashier is done ringing up your groceries, they will say:
Put your credit card in the chip reader.
These are both actions that the speaker wants the listener to complete, so the speaker gives a positive command.
For positive commands, we usually use this format:
root
(the rest of the command)
Move forward.
Open the door.
Stand next to your brother for this picture.
Change the TV to another channel.
Set the table and then wash the dishes.
However, the command can be just the verb, even if it is a verb that usually takes an object, as long as we can decide what the object is from context. For example:
A girl wants her little brother to leave her toys alone: Stop!
A parent shows their teenager how to drive: Turn!
A frustrated mother speaks to child not finishing their breakfast: Eat!
Negative commands: What are they and how to form them?
You will give a negative command when you do not want an action to happen. For example, you might want to be a good host, so you tell your guests:
Don’t wash the dishes.
Or, if you’re getting ready to pay for your food at the grocery store, the cashier might say:
Don’t put your credit card in the machine. It’s broken.
To form a negative command (or the “negative imperative”) in English, just add don’t to the beginning of the command:
don't
root
the rest of the command
Don't wash the dishes. I’ll get to them later.
Don't move the cat while she's sleeping.
Don't open the window. It’s too cold!
English speakers will almost always use the contraction don't in a command, but here are two cases where you can use the full form do not:
Giving a very formal negative command:
Do not park here without a permit.
Adding emphasis to a negative command:
Do not come back here ever again!
Tip
If someone is already doing something, don’t use a negative command. Instead say stop + gerund (verb + -ing):
Stop washing the dishes.
Stop talking to strangers.
Stop leaving your socks on the floor.
When to add a subject to the imperative in English?
Usually we do not add a subject to a command in English, you can add a subject to clarify who you are talking to. With the imperative, the subject can be:
you (singular / plural)
the name of the person receiving the command
Tip
Starting a command with you is not very polite. It is more polite to use someone’s name.
For example, if a teacher has many students, they might add a student’s name to the command:
Mary, put away the books.
John, close the window.
Peter and Sarah, pass out these papers.
The teacher might also just say you and give other clues (like pointing or looking at a student):
You, put the books away.
→ The teacher is looking at Mary.You, close the window.
→ The teacher is pointing at John.You two, pass out these papers.
→ The teacher makes a gesture at Peter and Sarah.
Tip
English speakers often add a descriptive phrase when they use you while pointing to someone. This helps you figure out exactly who is intended. For example:
you + number: (you two, you three...)
you + location: (you by the window...)
you + clothing: (you in the yellow hat...)
etc.
The subject can go either at the beginning of the command or at the end of the command:
Andy, pass the salt.
Pass the salt, Andy.You, water the plants.
Water the plants, you.→ You at the end is very uncommon, usually only used as an affectionate joke. However, y'all(you (pl.)) is often used at the end of commands.
See? It’s very easy to form a command in English!
How to give polite commands in English?
In English, we give polite commands by using the word please, by adding do to a command, or by avoiding the imperative altogether. Why do we do this?
In English, many people view a direct command as being rude or impolite, especially between strangers. So, to be more polite, we often rephrase our commands.
If you want to be kind, using a polite command in English is a good idea no matter who you are speaking to— your child, your boss, or your friend. But, being polite is most important with strangers or in formal settings. Let’s look at a few ways you can do this!
How to use ‘please’ with commands?
Using please is the easiest way to make a command more polite and pleasant to the receiver of the command. You can just add please either before the command or after the command:
Please open the door.
Open the door, please.
You can also combine please with the subject’s name. Please should go after the subject’s name and directly before the command or at the end of the command:
Mary, please put away the books.
Mary, put away the books, please.
When to use ‘do’ to a command?
You can also make a command more polite by adding do before a positive imperative!
The door is open. Do let yourself in!
Do sit down.
I just made some cookies. Do try one.
However, your tone matters here! Sometimes do can also be used for emphasis. Use do this way to show that you are getting annoyed with someone but you still are trying to be polite:
Do be quiet!
Do stop talking.
How to form a polite request in English?
The most common way to form a polite command is to avoid using the imperative entirely and make a request. In a request, you are literally asking someone if they are able to do something or if they are planning to do it. But though a request looks like a question, it is really a polite command.
To make a request you will generally use modal auxiliaries, such as can, could, will, and would:
can / could / will / would
subject
main verb
Can you close the door?
Could you pass the salt?
Will you hand me that book?
Would you turn down the music?
Tip
The only way to know that an indirect command is a command is from the context. For example, if the president says “Can you hold the door open?” that is probably a command, but if your daughter says “Can you hold your breath for 30 seconds?” she is probably just asking about your skills.
If you want to be clear that you are making a request, add the word please:
Can you hold your breath for 10 seconds?
→ Is it a request or a question about ability?Can you hold your breath for 10 seconds, please?
→ This is a request.
What are indirect commands or indirect requests in English?
Some English speakers will use other types of sentences to tell someone what to do. These are intended to make it sound like the person performing the action has more choice and more independence.
These are less common ways to express that you want someone to do something, so they require more context. Here are some examples:
Ask a question about someone’s thoughts, feelings, or desires about an action (this is called an “indirect request”):
Would you mind picking me up at the airport?
Do you think you could open that door?
Declare your desires / feelings about an action:
I wish you would hold the door open.
I would love it if you would pick me up.
Suggesting a possible action:
You could hold the door open.
Maybe you can pick me up?
Stating an obligation:
You’ll need to hold the door open.
You should pick me up at the airport.
Tip
While some native English speakers believe that indirect commands polite, others will find that these ways of requesting actions are too indirect and think that this way of phrasing a command is confusing or even aggressive. If you want to be safe, use a polite imperative or make a request!
Summary
Remember, commands are used to tell someone to do something. Let’s quickly review all the things we’ve discussed in this post about commands.
Forming the imperative in English:
(you / name) + root: (Mary,) clean up!
(you / name) + don't + root: (Mary,) don't clean up!
A plain imperative can be rude or harsh. To be more polite:
Use please
Use do + positive imperatives (but be careful of your tone!)
Use a request
Use an indirect command/request
If you’re feeling more confident with commands, and ready to give some of your own, check out our activities on English commands!
