Lesson

Do this! Don't do that! Let's do this!

Imperatives

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Do this! Don't do that! Let's do this!

This lesson explains how to form and use imperative sentences in English. The imperative is used to give commands, make requests, give instructions, offer suggestions, and give warnings. It often omits the subject (you) and uses the base verb form. For suggestions that include the speaker and others, we use "let's" + base verb.

  • Affirmative commands: base verb (e.g., "Send the report.")
  • Negative commands: don't + base verb (e.g., "Don't sign that yet.")
  • Suggestions: let's + base verb (e.g., "Let's review the agenda.")
  • Politeness: add "please" or use modal verbs for softer requests

Table

Imperative Forms: Structure & Examples

Form Structure Example
Affirmative command Base verb (verb) Submit the report by 5 PM.
Negative command Don't + base verb Don't send the draft yet.
Suggestion (inclusive) Let's + base verb Let's schedule a review meeting.
Polite request Please + verb / Could you + base verb? Please sign the form. / Could you sign the form?
Emphatic positive Do + base verb (for emphasis) Do check the data before submitting.

Tip

Key Rule: How to form the imperative

The imperative uses the base form of the verb. It omits the subject 'you' and follows simple patterns depending on intent.

  • Affirmative: base verb — "Close the door."
  • Negative: don't + base verb — "Don't forget the files."
  • Suggestion (inclusive): let's + base verb — "Let's finish this now."
  • Polite requests: add 'please' or use 'Could you...' for a softer tone

For emphasis use 'Do' before the base verb: "Do review the contract."

Example

Examples in context

Send the final version to the client.

Don't include confidential data in the email.

Let's hold a short call to align on priorities.

Please update the shared spreadsheet before noon.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors with imperatives. Watch for these universal mistakes:

  • Adding 'to' after the verb: wrong — 'To send the report.' (imperative should be 'Send the report.')
  • Using the base verb with 'don't' plus -ing form: wrong — 'Don't sending the file.'
  • Using a subject 'you' unnecessarily in direct commands: less natural — 'You send the report.'
  • Confusing 'let's' with commands to someone else alone (use 'let's' to include the speaker)
  • Forgetting to use polite forms (please / could you) when needed in professional contexts

Keep forms simple: affirmative = base verb; negative = don't + base verb; suggestion = let's + base verb.

Quiz

Choose the grammatically correct negative command:

Hint: Focus on the negative imperative structure with the base verb

Quiz

Complete: _____ the team before Friday.

Hint: Think of a single verb meaning 'inform or bring up to date'

Quiz

Choose the best suggestion to propose a joint action:

Hint: Check the correct form after 'let's' and use the base verb

Key Points

GrammarPoint

imperative

grammar_point CEFR B1 //ɪmˈpɛrətɪv//

A verb form used to give commands, instructions, or suggestions.

Use the imperative to give clear instructions: 'Print the document.'

Vocabulary

command

noun CEFR B1 //kəˈmænd//

An instruction or order given to someone.

The manager gave a command to update the figures.

Vocabulary

suggestion

noun CEFR B1 //səɡˈdʒɛstʃən//

A proposal or idea offered for consideration.

Let's make a suggestion: meet tomorrow at 9 AM.

Vocabulary

please

adverb CEFR A2 //pliːz//

A polite word used to make requests more courteous.

Please send the invoice by Monday.

GrammarPoint

don't

contraction CEFR A2 //doʊnt//

Contraction of 'do not' used to form negative imperatives with the base verb.

Don't share confidential documents without approval.

Expression

let's

contraction CEFR A2 //lɛts//

Contraction of 'let us', used to make inclusive suggestions where the speaker is included.

Let's finalize the presentation before the meeting.