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The Imperative in English: How to Give Orders and Instructions
The imperative in English uses the base form of the verb, no subject, and it never changes depending on who you're talking to.
Written by Bryan López, Profesor de inglés · Updated
The imperative is used to give orders, instructions, or advice: it just uses the base form of the verb, with no subject. "Open the door!" has no "you" before the verb.
Forms of the imperative
No subject and no "to"
The imperative has no subject and no infinitive "to": "Open the door" is correct, "You open the door" or "To open the door" are not, as a direct order.
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Practice the imperative with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.
The negative always uses don't
No matter the verb, the negative imperative is always formed with don't + base verb: "Don't run in the hallway." "Don't be late." It never changes based on who you're talking to.
Common mistakes learners make
In many languages, the imperative changes form depending on who you're talking to and whether it's formal or informal. In English, the form is always the same, whether you're talking to one person, several people, formally, or informally: "Open the door" covers every case.
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Frequently asked questions
How is the imperative formed in English?
With the base form of the verb, no subject: "Close the window." "Sit down."
How do you make the imperative negative?
With don't + base verb: "Don't touch that." "Don't be late."
Is a subject used in the imperative?
No. The subject "you" is implied, it's never written or said: "Open the door," not "You open the door."
How do you make a command more polite in English?
By adding please at the start or end: "Please, sit down." "Sit down, please."
What does let's mean?
"Let's" (let us) is used to invite someone to do something together, including the speaker: "Let's go to the beach!"
Does the imperative change based on who you're talking to?
No. Unlike many languages, the imperative form in English is always the same, whether it's one person, several people, formal, or informal.
Practice the imperative with real audio
Interactive exercises, real pronunciation, and the full lesson taught in English.