Imperatives! How to use them Correctly. Imperatives Introduction Imperative sentences are used for many reasons: Reason Example to give advice or suggestions Exercise four times a week. Don’t eat too much chocolate. to give directions Turn right at the bank and walk three blocks. to give instructions Cut the onions into small pieces and fry in oil. Save your document and put it in a new folder. to give orders or commands (Please) be quiet! Do your homework. to give warnings Watch out! Don’t drive after drinking. to make a polite request Please turn off the light, Mary. Close the window please, Janice. to offer an informal invitation Bring a friend to the party if you like. Join us for dessert, Cathy! Notice that the subject of these sentences (you) is not written or spoken. It is the same for singular and plural subjects. (You) turn left at the corner and drive two kilometers. Sally and Mark, stand up please. In order to make the negative form, simply say: “Do not + simple verb…” or “Don’t + simple verb…” Do not run across the road, children. Don’t smoke in the airport please. Be careful! Do not use the imperative in formal situations with an employer or a teacher. The imperative is too direct. Come to lunch Mrs. Rivers. Wrong! Would you like to join us at lunch, Mrs. Rivers? Good! Take this Quiz to see how much you learned. 1.__________ after you eat a big meal. It’s not a good idea. 1. ? Exercise 2. ? Don’t exercise 2.A: Could you tell me how to find the bookstore? B: Sure. __________ two blocks and __________ left at the corner. It’s right there! 1. ? Walks/ turns 2. ? Don’t walk / turn 3. ? Walk/ turn 3.Doctor: __________ this medicine before you go to bed, okay? Patient: All right, doctor. Thanks. 1. ? Take 2. ? You take 4.__________ warmly so you don’t get cold outside. It’s snowing! 1. ? Dress 2. ? Don’t dress 3. ? Dressing 5.Boss: Always __________ your documents as soon as you finish writing them. Employee: OK, I will. 1. ? you save 2. ? save 3. ? don’t save 6.Teacher: Jerry, __________ please. I’m ready to begin teaching. 1. ? you sit down 2. ? sit down 7.Wife: __________ me when I am speaking. Husband: Sorry, honey. 1. ? Please don’t interrupt 2. ? Interrupt 3. ? You don’t interrupt 8.__________ careful! You almost spilled your coffee. 1. ? Be 2. ? Don’t be 3. ? You be
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 04:38:07 +0000