Make Your Request Known
An imperative sentence issues a
request, gives a command, or expresses a desire or wish. They differ from
sentences that make a statement (declarative sentences), express strong feeling
(exclamatory sentences), or ask a question (interrogative sentence).
Typically, imperative sentences are
short and simple, but they can be long, compound or complex sentences as
well. Some of the simplest sentences in the English language are actually
imperative sentences consisting of a single verb. Like this…
- Stop!
- Go.
- Hurry!
Depending on the strength of emotion
you want to convey, either a period or exclamation mark punctuates imperative
sentences.
Examples
Of Imperative sentences
- Pour me a glass of water.
- Leave the package at the door.
- Take me to the library.
- Walk through this door and turn left at the next hallway.
- Come over here, look at this specimen, and tell me what you think.
- Put that down now!
- Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Though it may be considered more
polite to use the word “please” in imperative sentences, it’s not
necessary. Without the word attached the sentence is still grammatically
correct.
The Stuff Great Ads Are Made Of
Though you won’t see imperative
sentences as frequently as declarative sentences, chances are you’ll see them
quite a bit when thumbing through magazines. Or when you’re on the
highway driving past billboards or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
That’s because imperative sentences are often used as catchy slogans for ads
and bumper stickers.
Have you ever seen these imperative
sentences before?
- Honk if you like my driving.
- Don’t worry, be happy.
- Have a Coke and a smile.
- Just do it.
You’ll also come across imperative
sentences in great literature as well. Actually, the 10 commandments of
the Bible are stated as imperative sentences.
- Honor thy father and mother.
- Do not kill.
- Do not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
These sentences make a command…which
is the reason why they’re called the 10 Commandments.
Subjects
of Imperative sentences
Though the subject usually isn’t
obvious in imperative sentences, it’s there. The subject is always in the
second person and is always the word “you”. In the sentence examples used
earlier the subject isn’t written but is implied.
- (You) pour me a glass of water.
- (You) leave the package at the door.
- (You) take me to the library.
- (You) walk through the door and turn left at the next hallway.
- (You) come over here, look at this specimen, and tell me what you think.
- (You) put that down now!
- (You) tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Imperative
Verbs
Naturally, imperative sentences
contain verbs in the imperative form, meaning the purpose of the verb in the
sentence is to make a command. Imperative verbs can take on other forms
in different sentences, meaning they can be used as the object of a sentence,
or as another verb form, as well.
Imperative Verb Form Non- Imperative Forms
Talk quietly.
There’s a lot of talk of a new restaurant.
Walk softly,
please.
It’s just a short walk to the coffee shop.
Turn off the
television.
We took a wrong turn and got lost.
Hang up your
clothes.
There is nowhere to hang your hat.
Clean your
room.
My job is to clean the table
after dinner.
Use imperative sentences to add more
depth to your writing. Even in academic papers, imperative sentences have
a place. For instance, “Consider these findings.” or “Look at the
facts.” You can use an imperative sentence as a title or headline – the
title of this article is an imperative sentence! Did you notice?