What is the Definition of an Imperative Sentence?
Imperative sentences are phrases that give instructions, commands, advice, or requests. They are used to tell people what to do.
This article will break down imperative sentences, give you 30 imperative example sentences, and teach you about the symbols and structure these types of sentences use.
30 Imperative Sentence Examples
Before we get started on imperative sentence structure, let’s look at 30 examples you may have seen before. Spot any you might know!
- Bring me a soda, please.
- Bring me the remote control.
- Can I borrow your pencil?
- Check out our other articles!
- Clean your room now.
- Complete the test in 1 hour.
- Don’t eat all the candies.
- Don’t forget to switch off the lights.
- Don’t swim straight after eating.
- Enjoy your meal!
- Enjoy!
- Go and finish your schoolwork.
- Go to bed.
- Leave me alone.
- Let me know.
- Open the window; it’s too hot in here.
- Pick up dinner, please.
- Please don’t talk to me like that.
- Please wait for me.
- Put on your mask.
- Put your shoes away.
- Speak louder; I can’t hear you.
- Stop biting your nails!
- Stop shouting!
- Stop touching everything!
- Turn the AC up, please.
- Watch out!
- Water the plants.
- Turn up the volume, please.
- You need to leave now.
How to Structure an Imperative Sentence With Examples
The structure of an imperative sentence is pretty straightforward to understand. Typically imperative sentences are structured like this.
Imperative Phrase
An imperative phrase typically starts with the infinitive of the chosen verb; these verbs typically issue a command.
- Bedtime, now!
- Go and clean your room.
- Stop messing around!
- Turn it down!
- Go away!
Watch out for the Subject
An imperative sentence doesn’t always need a subject; the subject is implied from the context, as imperative sentences usually give direct orders, offer an invitation, or give advice.
- Preheat the oven.
- Put salt in the eggs.
- Please join us for lunch.
- Choose the physiology module, not the theater one.
- Wear a smart suit.
Punctuating Imperative Phrases
Periods and exclamation marks usually end an imperative sentence; they are imperative sentence symbols. Exclamation marks are used when the command or request is urgent, for example, ‘go and clean your room now! Though, remember that imperative examples are not the only sentences to end with these punctuation marks. They are your first indication that you could be looking at an imperative sentence.
- Get out of here right now! (Urgent command)
- Stop playing around! (Urgent command)
- Pass me the salt, please. (Request)
- Shut the back door on your way out. (Request)
- Help me pick up these boxes. (Request)
Negative Imperative Sentence Examples
Imperative sentences can also be negative and usually begin with ‘don’t.’ Here are some examples:
- Don’t forget your lunch.
- Don’t curse at the table, please.
- Don’t swim after eating.
- Don’t jaywalk.
- Don’t eat so fast!
- Don’t leave your clothes on the floor, please.
Recap: How Do I Spot an Imperative Sentence?
As we’ve discovered, imperative sentences typically begin with the infinitive of a verb and use certain punctuation marks, making it pretty easy to spot them!
Here are some things to consider;
1) The first essential thing you’ll see is the use of punctuation, though be careful because imperative sentences aren’t the only type of sentence that end in exclamation marks and periods.
2) Then, look at the verb used as imperative sentences typically utilize the verb form that issues a command.
3) The last step is to check whether you can see a subject. Does the subject have one? Generally, imperative sentences don’t need a subject; the subject is implied, as they give direct orders.
Imperative Sentence Examples - Learn With Flashcards
Have a look at the following sentence examples, and remember this type of sentence functions to give commands, make requests or demands, provide instructions, propose activities, or offer advice.
Click each card to see if you know the type of imperative sentence!
How to Teach Imperatives and Practice Them
Learning how to make imperative sentences doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some games and activities to practice using imperative sentences.
1) Following recipes; Creating and Inventing
Recipes often use imperatives because they are naturally instructional. Practice writing out your recipes for your favorite dishes, or follow a recipe and highlight all the imperatives they use. Once you’ve done this, you could even do a cooking demo.
2) Building
Another great activity is following building instructions. As they are instructional, they offer you a natural way to see imperatives in use.
3) Playing The Teacher
Practicing teaching your friends or family an activity you enjoy is a great way to work on imperatives. You could show them how to make slime, post a reel, a new video game, or even something about your favorite social media platform.
4) Giving Bits Of Advice
Giving and receiving advice is a fantastic way to use imperatives. If you need some direction or want to offer your friend some advice, remember you’re using imperative sentences.
5) Playing Board Games
Take a look at the instructions that come with your favorite board or card games. You could even learn a new game to teach your friends and family. Strategy games, in particular, use imperative sentences to map out the following steps, as do instructional games.
Why not check out our declarative sentence examples if you’ve enjoyed learning about imperative sentences?