module 4 THE IMPERATIVE Remember that to form the Imperative, we use the infinitive form of a verb without to (base form). There is only one imperative form for you both singular and plural. The subject is always implied in imperative sentences. The negative imperative form is expressed by don t + base form; the full form do not is more formal and used mainly in public notices. In the negative form we use don t with the verb be. NEGATIVE IMPERATIVE GRAMMAR AFFIRMATIVE IMPERATIVE Come here! Do not cross the enemy lines! Turn left at the corner. Don t be silly! Stop talking! Don t waste your time! We use the imperative form to: give a direct order: Go and tidy up your room! give instructions: Go straight on until you reach the traffic lights. give advice: Don t buy that flat! It s too small for your family. give warnings: Be careful! You are going to break the mirror! make an offer: Have a sandwich! make a request: Clear the table! express a wish: Have a nice weekend! We can make the imperative more polite by adding please at the end/beginning of a sentence, especially when we make a request or an invitation: Help me with the shopping, please. Close the door, please. Please help yourself! Please take your coat off! It s hot in here! Let s + base form is the imperative form for the first plural person. We use it when we belong to a group of people and we want to suggest doing something all together. Let s go to the disco on Saturday! Let s watch TV! Let s play the music! Rewrite the Fire and Fire Drill Procedures below using the imperative. a. The Fire Department will be summoned. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... b. All elevators will be recalled to the ground floor. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... c. The building will be evacuated. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... d. All doors should be closed to prevent the fire spreading. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... e. Special help should be given to disabled people. .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 166