Kinds of Sentences : Imperative Sentences in English for Class 3

In this chapter, students will be equipt with the imperative sentence meaning, and they will also get to learn about the use of imperative in a sentence.

In this learning concept, the students will learn the following:

• Characteristics of command sentences.
• Types of imperative sentences with pictures and examples.

Every concept has been elucidated for class 3 with the help of illustrations, examples and charts to make the learning interesting. Students can access the dual imperative sentence worksheets appended at the end of the page to gauge their understanding. These worksheets are available with their solutions in PDF format.

What is an Imperative Sentence?:

• A sentence that is used to ask somebody to do something is called an imperative sentence.
• It is used to give a command, request, instructions, and advice.

Examples:

1. Switch off the lights and fans. (Order/command)
2. Be nice to old people. (Advice)
3. Close the cupboard. (Order/command)
4. Follow the arrows to the garden. (Command)
5. Please be careful as you go ahead. (Request)
6. Wait a minute before you repeat the process. (Advice)
7. Take a right and climb the steps that lead to the terrace. (Directions)
8. Slowly after 45 minutes, open the lid to check whether it is cooked or not. (Instructions)

About Imperative Sentences

1. It ends with a full stop or an exclamation mark.

         Examples:

1. Please come in!
2. Give me a cup of tea, please.

     2.The imperative sentence begins with a verb.

         Examples:

1. Turn left at the corner.
2. Walk straight ahead.

Imperative Sentences Written in Positive and Negative Form

Imperative sentences can be said to be of two types: Positive and negative of imperative sentences:

Positive Imperative Sentences

These sentences speak about agreeing to a request, command, order, etc.

Positive imperative sentences do not have ‘not’ in the sentence.

Examples:

1. Get the letter from the letter box.
2. Let’s go to play!

Negative Imperative Sentences

• Negative Imperative sentences are used when restrictions are to be made when the instruction is given in the sentence.
• These sentences usually have the word ‘not’ or negation such as n’t.

Examples:

1. Don’t travel alone.
2. Shouldn’t you close the lift door properly?

Common Mistakes

1. Imperative and exclamatory sentences are often confusing. Not every sentence that ends with an exclamation is an imperative sentence.

   Examples:

   1. I came first! (This is an exclamatory sentence that conveys the emotions of joy)
   2. Don’t do that! (This is an imperative sentence that is a command)
2. An imperative sentence does not use a subject(who or what). It is obvious that the subject is ‘you’. It is implied and not mentioned in the sentence.

   Examples:

   Wash the clothes.

   You wash the clothes.

   (The subject “you” is implied, not used.)

   Run to the terrace.

   You run to the terrace.

3. The imperative sentence starts with a verb.

   Examples:

   Run for cover

   You run for cover

   Close the door

   You close the door

Exceptions

While imperative sentences begin with a verb usually, there are exceptions. Not all sentences begin with a verb.

Examples:

1. Please get me a cup of coffee.
2. Yes, get it here.
3. Sure, ask them to send me a mail.
4. Always use a blue towel.

In the above sentences, the verb follows the highlighted adverbs.