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IMPERATIVE

This document discusses the characteristics and rules of imperative sentences. Imperative sentences are used to make requests, commands, or give warnings and usually end with a period or exclamation point. They do not have a subject stated and begin with an imperative verb. Whether an imperative sentence is a request or command depends on the tone used. Imperative sentences are not declarative or exclamatory sentences even if they end with a period or exclamation point.

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56 views10 pages

IMPERATIVE

This document discusses the characteristics and rules of imperative sentences. Imperative sentences are used to make requests, commands, or give warnings and usually end with a period or exclamation point. They do not have a subject stated and begin with an imperative verb. Whether an imperative sentence is a request or command depends on the tone used. Imperative sentences are not declarative or exclamatory sentences even if they end with a period or exclamation point.

Uploaded by

qaireen syafa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IMPERATIVE

Imperative sentences are the sentences we use


in our daily life to make request, make a wish,
express a desire or give a command or even a
warning.
Imperative sentences usually end with a period (.);
though sometimes they may end with an exclamation
mark (!). Usually imperative sentences used for delivering
a forcible warning or command or even request, may end
with an exclamation mark, as shown below.
• Please leave the door open!
• Watch your step!
• Wash your hands!
• Steep turn, go slow!
• Maintain silence!
Any Imperative Sentence contains an Imperative Verb, which serves
the purpose of giving command, or order; leaving no room for a
discussion. Imperative verbs are quite different from the indicative
verbs which show the things that happened.
• Please go through the below sentences-
• Please close the door. (Imperative Verb- Close)
• Don’t switch it off. (Imperative Verb- switch )
• She didn’t complete the work. (Imperative Verb- complete)
• Let the dog out. (Imperative Verb- Let)
• Move aside! (Imperative Verb- Move)
• Stay ahead! (Imperative Verb- Stay)
• Don’t let the lights on. (Imperative verb- let)
Rule 1- No Subject
Imperative Sentences don’t have a proper subject and
begin with an Imperative Verb. The subject (you) is only
understood and not mentioned.
• Go through the below proper sentences with subjects-
• Ronny, take care of the dogs.
• Gita, do your homework.
• Children, walk carefully.
• Teachers, teach well.
• Students, follow the rules.
Rule 2 – Decide the Tone
Whether an Imperative Sentence is a request or a command may depend
on the tone of voice. For Example-
• Neutral tone
• Fairly neutral tone
• Tone Expressing strong emotions

An imperative sentence with a neutral tone of voice represents a mild


request and it definitely represents a request when delivered in a fairly
neutral tone; and a command when delivered in a strong voice.
• Go through the below sentence-
• Pass the salt. (It is a mild request in a neutral tone)
• Pass the salt. (Is a strong request in a fairly neutral tone)
• Pass the salt! (A command when expressed in a raised voice)
Rule 3- Choose the Punctuations Wisely
Imperative sentences making a suggestion or request usually end with a
period (.), while those making a strong emotional request or command
may be terminated with an exclamation mark (!).
• Close the door.
• Switch off the lights.
• Eat your food.

The above sentences end with a period when said in a mild tone, but
when made with a louder voice they represent strong commands ending
with exclamation-
• Close the door!
• Switch off the lights!
• Eat you food!
Rule 4- Imperative Sentences are Not
Exclamatory Sentences
• Even if the Imperative Sentences end with an
exclamation mark (!), they are not
exclamatory sentences; as the exclamatory
sentences cannot give commands.
Rule 5- Imperative Sentences are Not
Declarative Sentences
• Even they end with a period (.); Imperative
Sentences are not Declarative because the
declarative sentences cannot express wishes
or commands.
State whether the following statements are
Imperative or not?
1) Ronny close the door.
2) Listen carefully.
3) You switch off the lights.
4) Don’t feed the dog.
5) Please be nice to the guests!
6) Sally took my book home.
7) Teacher listens attentively to students.
8) Drivers should drive carefully.
9) Drive carefully and safely.
10) Drink all your milk.

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