Imperative sentences are essential for giving commands, instructions, advice, and requests in English. They are widely used in daily communication, academic writing, and competitive examinations. This article explains the meaning, structure, rules, and examples of imperative sentences in a simple and exam-focused manner to help learners master the topic confidently.
Introduction to Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences are one of the most important sentence types in English grammar. They are used to give commands, instructions, advice, requests, warnings, or suggestions. Imperative sentences are commonly seen in question papers, competitive exams, classroom instructions, and everyday conversations. Understanding their structure and usage helps students improve both written and spoken English skills.
What Are Imperative Sentences?
Imperative sentences are sentences that express a command, request, suggestion, instruction, or advice. They usually begin with a base verb and often have an implied subject “you.”
Key Characteristics of Imperative Sentences
- The subject “you” is usually understood but not written.
- The sentence generally starts with the base form of the verb.
- It ends with a full stop or an exclamation mark.
- Negative imperative sentences begin with “Do not” or “Don’t.”
Example:
Close the door.
(You close the door – subject implied)
Structure of Imperative Sentences
1. Positive Imperative Sentence Structure
Base Verb + Object
Example:
Finish your homework.
2. Negative Imperative Sentence Structure
Do not / Don’t + Base Verb + Object
Example:
Do not waste your time.
3. Polite Imperative Structure
Please + Base Verb
Example:
Please help me.
Types of Imperative Sentences
- Commands – Sit down.
- Requests – Please lend me your pen.
- Advice – Eat healthy food.
- Instructions – Turn left at the signal.
- Warnings – Do not touch the wire.
- Suggestions – Try this method.
100 Examples of Imperative Sentences
- Open the window.
- Close the door.
- Complete your assignment.
- Call me later.
- Please sit down.
- Stand up straight.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Write your name clearly.
- Listen to your teacher.
- Turn off the lights.
- Switch on the fan.
- Bring your notebook.
- Do your homework.
- Clean your room.
- Finish your lunch.
- Speak politely.
- Follow the rules.
- Drive carefully.
- Check your answers.
- Submit the form.
- Fill out the application.
- Join the meeting.
- Keep quiet.
- Wait here.
- Come inside.
- Go home.
- Study hard.
- Wake up early.
- Respect your elders.
- Save your work.
- Lock the door.
- Unlock the gate.
- Please help me.
- Take your seat.
- Pay attention.
- Think before you speak.
- Try again.
- Do not shout.
- Do not run.
- Do not waste water.
- Don’t be late.
- Don’t make noise.
- Don’t forget your keys.
- Do not touch this.
- Don’t argue.
- Keep the change.
- Have a seat.
- Pass the salt.
- Take care.
- Be honest.
- Be patient.
- Stay calm.
- Work hard.
- Keep learning.
- Follow me.
- Watch carefully.
- Answer the question.
- Raise your hand.
- Close your books.
- Open your textbooks.
- Save money.
- Exercise daily.
- Eat vegetables.
- Drink water.
- Wash your hands.
- Wear a helmet.
- Fasten your seatbelt.
- Check the engine.
- Start the car.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Please wait a moment.
- Kindly respond soon.
- Keep this secret.
- Maintain discipline.
- Respect the deadline.
- Review the chapter.
- Learn the formula.
- Solve the problem.
- Practice daily.
- Improve your skills.
- Stay focused.
- Do not panic.
- Do not cheat.
- Don’t skip classes.
- Don’t lose hope.
- Don’t ignore the warning.
- Please forgive me.
- Let us begin.
- Let him speak.
- Let them enter.
- Be careful.
- Stay positive.
- Speak clearly.
- Act wisely.
- Keep moving.
- Trust yourself.
- Set your goals.
- Respect others.
- Protect the environment.
- Never give up.
Important Tips About Imperative Sentences for Competitive Exams
- In transformation of sentences, imperative sentences can change into indirect speech using “to + verb.”
Example: The teacher said, “Open your book.”
The teacher told the students to open their books. - Negative imperatives in indirect speech use “not to + verb.”
Example: He said, “Do not enter.”
He warned me not to enter. - Questions in exams often test identification of sentence types. Imperative sentences do not ask questions.
- Words like “please,” “kindly,” and “let” are strong indicators of imperative sentences.
- “Let us” can be transformed into “should.”
Example: Let us go for a walk.
We should go for a walk. - In passive voice conversion, imperative sentences begin with “Let.”
Example: Close the door.
Let the door be closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an imperative sentence with an example?
An imperative sentence gives a command, request, advice, or instruction. Example: Submit the report today.
2. Do imperative sentences always start with a verb?
Yes, most imperative sentences start with the base form of the verb because the subject “you” is implied.
3. How do you make a negative imperative sentence?
Use “Do not” or “Don’t” before the base verb. Example: Do not waste time.
4. Can imperative sentences be polite?
Yes, by adding words like “please” or “kindly.” Example: Please send the details.
Conclusion
Imperative sentences play a vital role in English grammar and daily communication. From giving instructions to offering advice, they are widely used in academic writing, competitive examinations, and everyday speech. Mastering imperative sentences through rules, structure, and practice examples will significantly improve your grammar accuracy and confidence.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Grammar rules and examples are based on standard English usage commonly accepted in academic and competitive examination contexts.
Also Read: Grammar for Competitive Exams: SSC, UPSC, CBSE – Complete Guide with 100 Practice Examples
Spoken English Grammar: Tips to Speak Fluently for Students and Job Aspirants
