Name: __________________ Mark:

Date: _____/ _____ / ______ Teacher:

The Imperative

FORM

The imperative is the same as the infinitive without to.

Affirmative:

Turn of the TV during the family meals and study time.

Negative:

Dont allow children to watch long blocks of TV.

Imperative + Question Tag:

Turn off the TV, will you?

Imperatives joined by and:

Turn of the TV and do your homework.

Polite imperative:

Turn the TV on please! I want to watch the news.

USE

We can use the imperative to:

Give a direct order.

Make a request.
Give instructions.
Give directions.
Make an invitation/offer or a suggestion.
Give friendly, informal advice.
Prohibit somebody for doing something.
Warn

Exercises
A- Decide whether each sentence is an instruction, a prohibition, an order,
an invitation, a request or a piece of advice.

1. Stand up straight ______________

2. Take two tablets every evening. ____________
3. Have a piece of this cake. Its delicious. ____________
4. Speak to him. Tell him how you feel. ____________
5. Call a taxi for me, please. ____________
6. Keep off the grass. ____________

B - Choose the suitable reply for each situation.

1. Were off to Brazil on Saturday.

2. Which train do you think I should take?
3. What time should I get there?
4. How do I open this door?
5. Im really worried about my future.

a) Push really hard.

b) Well, dont leave without saying goodbye!
c) Dont come late whatever you do. The meeting always starts on
time.
d) Get the early one.
e) Stop worrying and get on with some work or you wont have a
future.

Answer key

1. order
2. instruction
3. invitation
4. advice
5. request
 6. prohibition

1. b
2. d
3. c
4. a
5. e