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.
Before we get started on imperative sentence structure, let’s look at 30 examples you may have seen before. Spot any you might know!
The structure of an imperative sentence is pretty straightforward to understand. Typically imperative sentences are structured like this.
An imperative phrase typically starts with the infinitive of the chosen verb; these verbs typically issue a command.
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.
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.
Imperative sentences can also be negative and usually begin with ‘don’t.’ Here are some examples:
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.
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!
Learning how to make imperative sentences doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some games and activities to practice using imperative sentences.
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.
Another great activity is following building instructions. As they are instructional, they offer you a natural way to see imperatives in use.
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.
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.
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?