The Imperative: Don’t touch! Stop talking! — Explanation

The important exercises say, "Don't touch!" Stop talking! A1 Basic English grammar and exercises. Learn how to use the imperative in English with clear examples and exercises.

The Imperative: Don’t touch! Stop talking!

You use the imperative form to tell someone to do something, give them advice, or invite them. It's a clear and easy way to tell someone what to do (or not to do).

Form

• We use the base form of the verb (infinitive without to).
  Open the door.
  Sit down.
  Listen carefully.

There is no subject — we understand that the subject is “you.”
(You) Come here!

Negative Form

To make the imperative negative, use don’t + verb.
Don’t run!
Don’t touch that!
Don’t be late!

Polite Imperatives

To sound more polite, you can add “please” at the beginning or end:
Please sit down.
Close the window, please.

Common Uses

1. Orders or commands:
   Be quiet!, Stop talking!
2. Instructions:
   Turn right at the corner., Add some sugar.
3. Advice:
   Take care., Relax!
4. Invitations:
   Come in!, Have some coffee!

Examples

Wait for me!
Don’t eat that!
Be careful!
Please help me!

Summary:
Affirmative: Verb (base form) → Sit down.
Negative: Don’t + verb → Don’t shout.