Imperative Sentences: Definition, Types and 10 Examples

Follow this easy-to-read guide to learn more about imperative sentences. Discover the types and 10 examples that will help you improve your imperative sentence writing.

Margaret Atwood

Published on: 12-11-2024

Reviewed by: Margaret Atwood

A mother isn’t a mother unless she’s authoritative, acts as the boss, and has the power to say anything she pleases.

She’s the only person who can ask you for water while you’re sleeping or request an errand at any random time.

The irony is that when you ask her to wake you up at 8 AM, she might wake you up at 7 AM, claiming it’s already 10 AM!

Let’s rephrase some of the common phrases every mother uses.

Do this
Don’t do that
Eat your meal
Go to bed
Be careful
Fetch me some water
Bring vegetables
Come here

All of these sentences are imperative. They are one of the main types of sentences in the English language and are referred to as “orders or instructions.”

In this article, I am going to discuss various things related to imperative sentences, such as:

Definition of imperative sentences
Significance of imperative sentences
Types of imperative sentences
Uses of imperative sentences
Additional examples of imperative sentences

So, let's start reading!

What is an imperative sentence?

Imperative sentences are commands, suggestions, or requests. They are like orders or instructions but in a polite way.

It is a type of sentence like declarative sentences (which state facts) or interrogative sentences (which ask questions). The difference is that imperative sentences are meant to be acted upon.

The main points of these sentences are:

Imperative sentences give commands or instructions.
They can be positive (commands) or negative (prohibitions)
Essential to have clear instructions in writing, with a commanding tone.
Typically, it starts with a verb
Used for many purposes

Significance of imperative sentences

Imperative sentences offer a way to convey instructions directly to the listener or reader. They usually have a commanding tone and directly start with a verb.

Somehow, it acts like an interogation of sentences to for adding more effectiveness.

Receivers know that the writer is directly asking them to do an act, which is why there is no need for a subject in these sentences.

Imperative sentences are particularly useful in various contexts, such as:

Giving direct instructions, without any confusion
To tell someone to do something
Addressing directly involves them more
To make memorable short and direct commands
To warn and prohibit, as in road signs
For readers to follow each step like in recipes, manuals, etc.

Now let's talk about the sentence structure of imperative sentences, which helps you write correctly. Imperative sentences also follows a sentence structure like the other sentences formation. Some rules are:

Verb + object (optional)

As in “Do it” – here “Do” is an action and “it” is the object.

Types of imperative sentences

Imperative sentences generally fall into two basic categories:

1. Positive imperative sentences

Positive imperative sentences tell someone to do something. The receiver is supposed to perform it.

For example:

“Go there”
“Fetch me a glass of water”
“Say something”

2. Negative imperative sentences

Negative imperative sentences tell someone not to do something. The receiver is supposed to stop or avoid the action.

For example:

“Shut up!”
“No parking”
“Do not open”

Important note:

Do not confuse imperative sentences with exclamatory sentences. Just because both of them have an exclamation mark at the end, does not mean they are the same or anyhow similar.

Exclamatory sentences express intense emotions, they do not tell anybody to do anything, that is the job of imperative sentences.

When you want to say what you feel, you use exclamatory sentences.

I am exhausted!
Oho!
What the hell!

and when you want somebody to do something, you use imperative sentences. Simple, Isn’t it?

Please stop!

Leave me alone!
Complete your homework

Imperative sentences can express emotion too like in the first two sentences in the above examples, but not directly.

Receivers usually get it by the words and the situation in which they are used.

Use of imperative sentences

The use of imperative sentences significantly enhances the effectiveness of your communication. These sentences, which begin with an imperative verb for action, have a commanding tone and direct the reader to perform a specific action.

Direct communication helps the reader understand the text easily which makes it engaging. That is why it is mostly used in various formats, such as:

1. To write instructions

Ever read a recipe or an instruction manual? What is the language used in them? They give direct commands so you can follow each step. That’s imperative sentences.

Let’s take a recipe for an example:

Take 3 cups of all-purpose flour
Add 3 cups of sugar
Add 1 cup of cocoa powder

All the recipes are like that, as are instruction manuals. The sole purpose is to emphasize each step.

2. To sell something

Marketing and advertising campaigns always use imperative sentences as these have a clear call to action (CTA). It tells customers what they have to do and how to do it.

Visit a nearby market, you will see billboards like:

Visit us today!
Join our loyalty program!

3. To create an impact

Persuasive writing mostly involves imperative sentences. As these are useful in capturing the reader's attention and proving your point.

Moreover, the use of adverb adds more clarity and meaningful information for effective sentences.

Read the slogans of some awareness campaigns:

Consider the environmental impact of your decisions
Read what our ancestors were

These sentences encourage the reader to think critically and potentially change their perspective or behavior.

4. To emphasize some key points

There are many important signs around us like road signs, safety measures, and rules. These should always be followed and that is why they are always written in imperative form.

Like, in the following examples:

Remember to submit your application by the deadline.
Do not enter without permission.
No smoking!

These sentences help to make sure that essential information is remembered and followed.

10 well-known examples of imperative sentences by type

Following are different examples of imperative sentences:

1. Giving a Command to someone

Finish your dinner and go to bed
Keep quiet

2. Making a request

Please pass the salt
Could you open the window, please?

3. Provide instructions

Fasten your seatbelt
Mix the flour and water until smooth

4. Giving advice

Be on time!
Do not use elevators in case of fire

5. Warning

Slippery road, drive slow!
Do not touch the hot stove.

These examples demonstrate the various functions that imperative sentences can serve, from giving commands to making requests, providing instructions, offering advice, and issuing warnings.

Check your understanding of imperative sentences

Please use the most appropriate verb from the list provided below to create imperative sentences.

(tidy, pick up, eat, Wash, Listen, take, Put on, let go of, Take off, put on, feel, sleep)

Please ____________ your room and ____________ the dirty clothes from the floor.
____________ your vegetables before you ____________ them.
____________ carefully to your teacher and ____________ notes during the lecture.
____________ the music and ____________ your worries for a while.
____________ your shoes before you ____________ your coat.
____________ for at least eight hours every night to ____________ refreshed and energized.

The answers are given below. Check out if you got it right.

Please tidy your room and pick up the dirty clothes from the floor.
Wash your vegetables before you eat them.
Listen carefully to your teacher and take notes during the lecture.
Put on the music and let go of your worries for a while.
Take off your shoes before you put on your coat.
Sleep for at least eight hours every night to feel refreshed and energized.

Although numerous AI tools generate sentences and help you write more efficiently. For example, an AI sentence rewriter can improve the clarity and meaning of your imperative sentences. Its advanced algorithms make your writing more meaningful and allows you to adjust mode according to your sentence type.

Final thoughts

We use imperative sentences commonly in our daily life communication. They are used for effective communication and clear instructions.

Understanding their structure and purpose allows you to command, advise, or request clearly and authoritatively.

I hope that after reading the instructions above, you will be more informed about imperative sentences. By following these guidelines, people communicate effectively in various contexts.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no subject in the imperative sentences?

Imperative sentences have subjects. Mostly the subject is not used or hidden, that’s because the subject is implied and the receiver knows it. Like in “Shut up” it is implied that it actually means “You shut up.”

Why are all the instructions always in imperative sentences?

Imperative sentences deliver way more clear messages directly to the reader as compared to other types of sentences. Readers think that it is being said to them and it's easier for them to follow.

How can I practice using imperative sentences effectively?

You can practice writing imperative sentences in three amazing ways like, writing step-by-step instructions for easy tasks, making to-do lists using commands, and changing sentences that ask questions to help you learn better.