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The definition of imperative sentences is that these are sentences that give commands, make requests, offer advice, or provide instructions. They usually tell someone what to do.
How many types of imperative sentences are there in grammar?
There are three types of imperative sentences in grammar, which are positive (affirmative), negative, and conditional imperative sentences.
When to use imperative sentences?
We can use imperative sentences to give a command, make a request, offer advice, give instructions, or show warnings. For example, teachers use imperative sentences while giving directions in class.
How are imperative sentences different from declarative sentences?
Imperative sentences are used to give instructions; on the other hand, declarative sentences are used to share facts or statements.
Definition of Imperative Sentence With Example
Definition of imperative sentence is explained here with its different types and examples. Learn what is imperative sentence and how to use it correctly in English grammar.
Shivam Singh12 Jun, 2025
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Definition of Imperative Sentence: In English grammar, there are different types of sentences. Some sentences tell something, some ask questions, and some give strong feelings. One such type is called an imperative sentence. It is very important for students to understand this type of sentence for improving their English speaking and writing skills.
An imperative sentence is a sentence that gives a command, advice, request, or instruction. These sentences tell someone what to do. They are commonly used in our daily lives. Keep reading to learn more about the definition of imperative sentences with examples for better understanding.
When learning English grammar and sentences, one common question that often gets asked is "What is imperative sentence?" So the answer is, an imperative sentence is a type of sentence that tells someone to do something. These are useful when we need to quickly tell others what action to take. Teachers, parents, and friends often use imperative sentences in daily life.
Key Features of an Imperative Sentence
Imperative sentences have some special features that make them easy to understand. Let's learn about the main features of an imperative sentence with simple explanations.
1. Hidden Subject: The subject in an imperative sentence is usually not written. It is mostly the word "you," but we do not say it in the sentence. For example, in the sentence "Close the door," the meaning is "(You) close the door." The word "you" is understood.
2. Starts with a Verb: An imperative sentence mostly starts with the verb in its base form. The verb tells what action should be done. For example, in "Sit down," the verb "sit" comes first.
3. Different Purposes: Imperative sentences can be used for many reasons:
Command: Stop shouting.
Request: Please pass the pencil.
Advice: Wear a jacket in winter.
Instruction: Mix the colors gently.
Invitation: Come to my birthday party.
Warning: Don’t touch the hot stove.
4. Punctuation: An imperative sentence usually ends with a full stop (.), but if the sentence is strong or urgent, it can also end with an exclamation mark (!). For example: Sit down. (normal); Run quickly! (urgent)
5. Politeness: The tone of an imperative sentence can be polite or strict. Adding words like "please" makes the sentence sound more kind. For example: Please open the door. (polite); Open the door. (firm)
Definition of Imperative Sentence
As per the definition of imperative sentence, it is a sentence that gives a command, request, advice, or instruction to someone. It tells a person what they should do. These sentences are used when we want someone to follow or do something. Different dictionaries also explain the imperative sentence definition in easy ways.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the imperative sentence definition says that an imperative sentence is a sentence that gives an order.
The Cambridge Dictionary explains that it is a sentence that gives a command or a request.
The Collins Dictionary says the definition of imperative sentence is that it is used when we give orders or make requests to someone.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says that an imperative sentence is used to control, guide, or direct someone’s action.
There are mainly three types of imperative sentences in grammar. Each type has its own way of giving commands, requests, or instructions. Let us learn them one by one with easy examples.
1. Affirmative Imperative Sentence
An affirmative imperative sentence is used when we tell someone to do something. It gives a clear command or instruction in a positive way.
Examples of affirmative imperative sentences:
Close the window.
Please help your friend.
Finish your homework on time.
In these sentences, someone is asked to take an action.
2. Negative Imperative Sentence
A negative imperative sentence is used when we tell someone not to do something. It stops or warns a person from doing an action.
Examples of negative imperative sentences:
Do not talk in the class.
Don’t touch the hot pan.
Never lie to your parents.
These sentences stop someone from doing something wrong or dangerous.
3. Conditional Imperative Sentence
A conditional imperative sentence is used when the action depends on a special condition. It means that the action should be done only if something else happens.
Examples of conditional imperative sentences:
If you feel sick, call the doctor.
When the bell rings, pack your bags.
If it rains, stay inside the house.
In these sentences, the command will happen only when the condition is true.
In most imperative sentences, the subject "you" is hidden. So, the sentence usually starts directly with a verb (action word). Let’s understand the structure of an imperative sentence and how its different types are made:
1. Structure of Positive (Affirmative) Imperative Sentences
Positive imperative sentences tell someone to do something.
The structure is: Verb + object (or other words). The verb comes first, followed by the object or more information.
For example:
Bring your books.
Clean the table.
Tell me the truth.
2. Structure of Negative Imperative Sentences
Negative imperative sentences tell someone not to do something.
The structure is: Do + not + verb + object (or other words). "Do not" or "Don’t" comes first to show that it is a warning or stop.
For example:
Do not touch the wall.
Do not wash clothes in the machine.
Don’t make noise.
3. Special Structure: Let Sentences
Sometimes, imperative sentences start with the word Let to give permission or advice.
The structure is: Let + object + be + past participle. This structure is used to say that something should be done.
It is important for students to carefully go through the examples of imperative sentences to understand how they are correctly used while writing or speaking. Therefore, as a reference, the following are examples of imperative sentences along with their types.
Examples of Imperative Sentences
Imperative Sentence Type
Examples
Positive (Affirmative) Imperative Sentences
Please close the window.
Bring your homework tomorrow.
Drink plenty of water.
Read this story carefully.
Share your toys with your friends.
Negative Imperative Sentences
Don’t touch the fan.
Do not talk while eating.
Never play with sharp objects.
Don’t forget to bring your lunchbox.
Do not run in the classroom.
Conditional Imperative Sentences
If you are tired, take some rest.
When you finish your work, call me.
If it gets dark, turn on the lights.
When the bell rings, go to your class.
If it rains, carry an umbrella.
When to Use Imperative Sentences in Grammar
While learning the imperative sentence definition is important, students also need to understand when to use imperative sentences while writing or speaking in English. Here are some situations where imperative sentences can be used:
1. To Make a Request Politely
When we want to ask for something in a polite way, we can use "please" in the sentence. For example, Pass the salt, please.
2. To Give an Order or Command
When we want to tell someone to do something directly, we can give a command without using "please." For example, Pass the salt.
3. To Offer an Invitation or Suggestion
Imperative sentences can be used to invite someone or give a suggestion. For example, Let’s go to the park.
4. To Give a Warning or Show Urgency
Imperative sentences are used when we need to warn someone or tell them to act quickly. For example, Be careful of the dog.
5. To Give Instructions or Directions
We use imperative sentences to give steps in recipes, manuals, or while teaching something. For example, Set the oven to 180 degrees. Mix the flour and sugar.
6. To Show Strong Feelings with Exclamation Marks
Imperative sentences can show strong emotions when we use an exclamation mark at the end. For example, Run fast!
7. To Make Invitations Sound Friendly
Imperative sentences are also used to make invitations sound warm and welcoming. For example, Come to dinner with us.
To sum up, knowing the definition of imperative sentence is very important for students to improve their English skills. It helps students understand how to give commands, make requests, offer advice, and provide instructions in the correct way. By learning how and when to use imperative sentences, students can speak and write more clearly and confidently.
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