Imperative

We can use the imperative to give a direct order.
1. Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.
2. Stand up straight.
3. Give me the details.

We can use the imperative to give instructions.
1. Open your book.
2. Take two tablets every evening.
3. Take a left and then a right.

We can use the imperative to make an invitation.
1. Come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.
2. Please start without me. I'll be there shortly.
3. Have a piece of this cake. It's delicious.

We can use the imperative on signs and notices.
1. Push.
2. Do not use.
3. Insert one dollar.

We can use the imperative to give friendly informal advice.
1. Speak to him. Tell him how you feel.
2. Have a quiet word with her about it.
3. Don't go. Stay at home and rest up. Get some sleep and recover.

We can make the imperative 'more polite' by adding 'do'.
• Do be quiet.
• Do come.
• Do sit down.

There are two ways expressing imperative (command).
Positive Command (infinitive + object)
Mind your step
Mop the floor
Brush your teeth
Wash your hand

Negative Command (do not + infinitive + object)
Don’t walk hurriedly
Don’t throw rubbish into the river
Don’t smoke
Don’t enter without permission

Subject + may not infinitive + object
You may not walk on the wet floor
You may not drink cold water too much
You may not hold the food with dirty hands

Subject + must not + infinitive + object
You must not let your room dirty
You must not eat contaminated food
You must not take the drugs without prescription

Exercise

Choose the correct word to make the imperative meaningful socially.
1. You (must / must not) obey your teacher and parents.
answer: must
2. Students (may / may not) talk during the exam.
answer: may not
3. (Keep / don’t keep) the book out of the reach of the children if it is only for adults.
answer: keep
4. (Say / don’t say) nothing if you have to keep silent during the examination.
answer: don't say
5. (Finish / don’t finish) your SMK if you want to attend a university or collage.
answer: finish