openMind Level 1

Unit 5 Grammar 2

THE IMPERATIVE
 THE IMPERATIVE

1. Who is using an imperative? Speakers B, C, and D

2. What form of the verb are they using? base form
3. Can you notice an error? Don’t go Not go
B It’s downtown. Take A Where is the
a taxi. city museum?

C Not go by taxi! It’s

expensive. Walk there. D No. Please don’t go
on foot. It’s too far!
 THE IMPERATIVE

1. In which answer is there a subject before the verb? B

2. Do we need to use a subject with the imperative? No
3. Which answer is correct? A

Is there a A: Yes, go straight ahead and

bank near it’s there on the corner.
here?
B: Yes, you turn right, and you
walk about 100 meters.

TIP: Use the base form of the verb in the imperative.

 THE IMPERATIVE

Other examples using the imperative:

• Please write with a black pen.

• Don’t speak to other students during the exam.

• Listen to the conversation, please.

• Wait! Don’t leave!

 THE IMPERATIVE

Turn right onto River Road.

How do I get to Don’t go over the bridge.
the station? Just walk straight ahead about
400 meters.
Thanks! Show me on
the map, please.

We don’t use a subject with the imperative.

We use the base form / the infinitive with to.
We make the imperative polite by adding _p _l e
_ a_ s_e_.
 THE IMPERATIVE

Affirmative Negative
Turn left here.
Follow the signs. Don’t worry.
Take the train Don’t turn right at
downtown. the corner.
Tell me about Mary. Don’t say anything!
Stop!
Say your name, please. Don’t go, please.
Please say your name. Please don’t go.
 THE IMPERATIVE

We use the imperative to give instructions or

directions:

Start a new page for each task.

Listen carefully. Then answer the questions.
Don’t use a pencil.

Take the first left, and walk down the street.

Don’t follow the signs for the city center. Look for the
sign for the city hall. The museum is next to it.
 THE IMPERATIVE

1. 
_ Don’t play football here.
_ No play football here.
2. 
_ Don’t be late for school!
_ Aren’t late for school!
Watch Out! 3. _ Please to speak loud.

_ Speak loud, please.
4. _ To write your name at the top.

_ Write your name at the top.
5. 
_ Go straight ahead.
_ Go you straight ahead.
 THE IMPERATIVE

Write instructions for either:

• making something simple
• directions to a place which the other
students also know

Then read your instructions or directions to a

partner. Can he/she guess what the
instructions are for or what place the
directions lead to?
 THE IMPERATIVE

Grammar wrap-up

1. What verb form do we use with the

imperative?

2. How do we make the imperative negative?

3. What is the purpose of using please with the

imperative?