Imperative Sentences

What is Imperative Sentence

An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives a direct command, request, or instruction. They are often used to communicate an action that needs to be taken. Here are some examples of imperative sentences:

"Wash the dinner plates"

"Move that box"

"Clean up your mess"

"Wash your hands"

"Eat your lunch"

"Turn on the lights"

Types of Imperative Sentences with Examples

Imperative sentences can be divided into two main categories according to their nature namely,

Positive imperative sentence

Negative imperative sentence

Positive Imperative Sentence

A positive imperative sentence asks one to do something.

For example:

Close the door.

Call me when you get back.

Wash the plates before you use them.

Negative Imperative Sentence

A negative imperative sentence is meant to do just the opposite. A negative imperative sentence instructs one not to do something.

For example:

Do not close the door.

Do not call me when you get back.

Do not wash the plates before you use them.

Conditional Imperative Sentences

Another type of imperative sentences is the conditional imperative sentence. These sentences include a conditional clause and are mostly in the form of complex sentences.

For example:

If you think you are going to be late, ask your brother to drop you off.

When you get home, call me.

Unless you want to go through all of it again, don’t do it.

Uses of Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences can be used in a variety of ways if you learn how to do it. Also, remember that just the imperative verb alone can pass as an imperative sentence.

For example:

Go!

Quiet!

Run! 

Here are some characteristics of imperative sentences:

They usually begin with an imperative verb 

They do not have a subject 

They can be affirmative or negative 

They can convey a sense of urgency or importance 

The imperative verb is sometimes called a "command word" or "bossy verb