The imperative mood
The imperative – expresses commands, requests, suggestions, instruction.
Forms
Affirmative :
Negative :
Emphatic :
Addressing someone
Imperative question (со смягчением)
let us (let's) + bare infinitive
When we use negative, we can put not
before the infinitive or put don't before let's
Warning
Subject + shall (in written English) Shall
can be used in very formal written
regulations which will normally remain in
force for some time.
must
Instructions or orders can be conveyed
by the be + infinitive construction
Prohibitions may be expressed in
written instructions by may not
Can is the most informal
Could is the most generally useful
Couldn't (with favourable(положительный)
answer)
May and might are more formal than could and May/Might I have a copy of the letter? He asked for a
We can use same construction as ask +
indirect object + for + object
Ask to see/to speak to = may/could see
Do you think/I wonder(ed)/was wondering
if are more diffident (неуверенно в себе,
стеснительно)
Will/would you (please) = Could you
You'll . . . won't you? ( used mainly among
friends)
Would you mind+ gerund
Perhaps you would
If you would(the speaker is quite sure
he will be obeyed)
Would you like to . . . ?
I should/would be very grateful if
you would
Would you be good/kind enough
Would you be so kind as
I wish you would
Examples
Commands
Hurry up!
Don't hesitate to contact us if you need information.
Do hurry. (This Do could be persuasive.)
You entry there.
Be sure to give me a call when you arrive in Germany
(Обязательно позвони когда приедешь в
Германию.
Do it ,will you?
Let us stand together in this emergency. Don't let's tell
the police. Let's not tell the police.
Look out !!!
The Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected annually.
You must not mention this meeting to anyone.
You are to report for duty immediately.
Candidates may not bring textbooks into the examination
room.
Requests
Can I have a sweet?( when used by adults, sounds more confident)
Could I have two tickets, please?
I can't wait. ~ Couldn't you wait five minutes?
copy of the letter.
I asked to see Mr Jones. May/Could I see Mr Jones? = I asked
for Mr. Jones
I wonder/was wondering if I could have tomorrow off?
Will/Would you please count your change? Shut the door,
will you?
You'll write to me, won't you?
Would you mind moving your car?
Perhaps you would let me know when your new stock arrives.
If you'd wait a few minutes…
Would you like to take a seat? = Please take a seat.
I should be very grateful if you would let me know if you have any
vacancies.
Would you be good/kind enough to keep me informed?
I wish you 'd give me a hand.
 Invitation (приглашение)
Will you have/would you like + noun Will you have a drink?
She offered me a drink/a coffee(indirect speech)
Will/would/could you? would you like to? Would/Could you have lunch with me? or Would you like to
have lunch with me?
Answers to invitations
Offers of a drink/a cigarette are usually answ. Yes, please or No, thank you.
Would you/could you/would you like are usually I'd like to very much/I'd love to or
answered: I'd like to very much but I'm afraid I can't.
Advice
Must, ought to and should You must read this book. It's marvellous.
Advise + object (in indirect speech) He advised me to plant trees.
You had better + bare infinitive You 'd better take off your wet shoes
If I were you I should/would If I were you I'd buy a car.
I advise/would advise (you)+ infinitive/ gerund I'd advise applying at once.
Why don't you . . . ? Why don't you learn to play your guitar?
It is time you + past tense It is time you bought a new coat.
May/might as well + infinitive( express very You may/might as well ask him
unemphatic advice)
Suggestions
Let's or shall I/we let's + infinitive Let's get the paint today, shall we?
Let's not(a negative answer) Let's take the tent. ~ Let's not!
Why don't we/you + infinitive or why not + Why don't we meet and discuss it?
infinitive/expression of time or place Why not meet and discuss it?
What's wrong with/what's the matter with + noun What's wrong with the hotel?
What/how about + gerund/noun Where shall we sleep?-What about renting a caravan?
Suppose I/we/you + present or past tense Suppose you offer/offered to pay him?
Suggest (+ possessive adjective) + gerund, or I suggest (предложить)(your) selling it.
suggest that + subject + present tense/should.
suggest + should + infinitive is more formal
That . . . should be is necessary in the passive. I propose that a report should be sent in.
Suggestions in indirect speech
Suggest/suggested (+ possessive adjective) + gerund, or Ann suggests that he sells/should sell his house. Ann
suggest that + subject + present tense/should, or suggested that he sold/should sell it.
suggested that + subject + past tense/should, or suggest
(any tense) + noun/pronoun.