Imperative sentences | English Grammar | Elearningstudio

Summary

This video explains imperative sentences, which are verbs that give commands or orders. It outlines grammar rules, emphasizing that imperative sentences often sound like the speaker is giving instructions or 'bossing around'. Examples include commands like 'sit quietly' or 'don't forget your books'. The video also highlights how to soften imperatives with 'please' for politeness, such as 'please put these cups on the table'. Key grammar points are: using verbs without 'to' or 'ing', and avoiding the pronoun 'you'. It concludes with a reminder to subscribe for more videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 Imperatives are verbs used to form imperative sentences, which give commands or orders.
• 😀 An imperative sentence may sound like the speaker is bossing someone around.
• 😀 Common examples of imperative sentences include: 'Sit quietly in the classroom' and 'Don't forget your books.'
• 😀 You can make commands sound more polite by using 'please.' For example, 'Please put these cups on the table.'
• 😀 Imperatives are used without the verb 'to' and without the '-ing' form of the verb.
• 😀 Avoid using the pronoun 'you' in imperative sentences, e.g., say 'Help your parents' instead of 'You help your parents.'
• 😀 Instead of saying 'Don't do running in the rooms,' it should be 'Don't run in the rooms.'
• 😀 Polite requests in imperatives can be formed with phrases like 'Can you please help me?'
• 😀 The word 'please' can be added at the beginning or end of a command to soften the tone and make it more polite.
• 😀 Imperatives can be used for both direct commands (e.g., 'Go to the market') and polite requests (e.g., 'Can you please help me with this task?').
• 😀 To reinforce politeness, be careful when using imperatives to avoid sounding too commanding or impolite.

Q & A

What are imperatives in grammar?

Imperatives are verbs that create an imperative sentence, which is a sentence that gives a command or an order.

How does an imperative sentence sound when spoken?

When reading an imperative sentence, it will always sound like the speaker is bossing someone around.

What is a common grammar rule for imperatives?

A common grammar rule is to use the verb without 'to' and without '-ing', and you don't use the word 'you'.

Can you provide an example of an imperative sentence?

Examples of imperative sentences include 'Sit quietly in the classroom' and 'Don't forget your books'.

How can you make an imperative sentence more polite?

You can make an imperative sentence more polite by adding the word 'please', such as 'Please put these cups on the table'.

What is the difference between 'Don't run in the rooms' and 'Don't do running in the rooms'?

The correct sentence is 'Don't run in the rooms'. The incorrect form, 'Don't do running in the rooms', uses 'do' unnecessarily.

Is it correct to say 'You help your parents and elders at home' in an imperative sentence?

No, it's incorrect. The correct form is 'Help your parents and elders at home', without the word 'you'.

What should you do if you want to ask someone politely for help in an imperative sentence?

To ask someone politely, you can add 'please' or phrase it like 'Can you please help me with this task?'

How do imperatives relate to commands and orders?

Imperatives are specifically used to give commands or orders, directing someone to do something.

Why is it important to avoid using 'you' in an imperative sentence?

In an imperative sentence, 'you' is typically omitted because the subject is understood. It makes the sentence direct and clear.