Imperatives – Right Now!
Examples and practice exercises
An imperative is an action that the speaker wants another person to do, for example – ‘Turn on the light’ or ‘Eat your dinner’, or it can be more like a command – ‘Speak up!’ or ‘Run!’
Imperatives start with a verb, they don’t need the subject ‘you’ because it is implied. Learning how to use them correctly is essential because we use them every day both at home and in the workplace – they are so useful!
We use imperatives all the time to:
- Give instructions, commands, warnings
- Follow directions, recipes
- Make requests
- Offer advice
Imperatives can be either positive or negative forms, and they end with full stop or an exclamation mark depending on the strength of the instruction or command.
| Positive imperatives (base form of the verb) | Negative imperatives (do not / don’t + base form of verb) |
| Run! | Don’t run! |
| Turn on the light. | Don’t turn off the light! |
| Drink the water. | Don’t drink the water! |
| Take off your shoes! | Don’t take off your shoes. |
| Close the door! | Don’t open the door! |
How about asking for and giving directions?
- Go straight
- Turn left / Turn right
- On the left / On the right
- Take the first left / Take the third right
- Cross the road/street
- Go past the bank/supermarket
- On the corner
- Follow the signs
And what about food?
Exercise 1: Use the imperatives in the box to complete the delicious recipe!
| Heat | Serve | Cut | Add | Cook |
- ______________ the onion, garlic and peppers into chunks.
- ______________ the olive oil in a pan and fry the ingredients.
- ______________ oregano, tomatoes and bacon and stir well.
- ______________ the pasta in a pot of boiling water.
- ______________ the pasta with the sauce – Enjoy your meal!
And finally, let’s talk about work!
For a business to run efficiently and professionally, it is important for everyone involved to respect and follow company rules and procedures. This fosters dynamic team collaboration, increases job satisfaction and security, while boosting productivity.
Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and aids conflict resolution. Being a proactive part of the team leads to career advancement and company success!
Exercise 2: Match each imperative with the correct definition
| Imperatives | Definitions | ||
| 1 | Be punctual | A | Express your ideas effectively. |
| 2 | Respect others | B | Take initiative in your duties and tasks. |
| 3 | Meet deadlines | C | Ask for input to improve and grow skills. |
| 4 | Follow procedures | D | Follow the company dress code. |
| 5 | Seek feedback | E | Arrive on time for work and meetings. |
| 6 | Communicate clearly | F | Be professional and courteous. |
| 7 | Dress appropriately | G | Adhere to company policies and regulations. |
| 8 | Be proactive | H | Complete all tasks on time |
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Answer Key:
Exercise 1
- Cut the onion, garlic and peppers into chunks.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the ingredients.
- Add oregano, tomatoes and bacon and stir well.
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water.
- Serve the pasta with the sauce and – Enjoy your meal!
Exercise 2
| Imperatives | Definitions | ||
| 1 | Be punctual | A | Arrive on time for work and meetings. |
| 2 | Respect others | B | Be professional and courteous. |
| 3 | Meet deadlines | C | Complete all tasks on time. |
| 4 | Follow procedures | D | Adhere to company policies and regulations. |
| 5 | Seek feedback | E | Ask for input to improve and grow skills. |
| 6 | Communicate clearly | F | Express your ideas effectively. |
| 7 | Dress appropriately | G | Follow the company dress code. |
| 8 | Be proactive | H | Take initiative in your duties and tasks. |