The imperative is used with verbs that command, request, order, invite, exhort or prohibit. It serves to express orders, requests, invitations, advice, exhortations, prohibitions, and instructions in a direct and immediate way. It is well linked to the idea of practical action already noted in the verb moods.

In the affirmative second-person singular, the imperative generally coincides with the present indicative in the simple form of the verb. It is the most direct and colloquial form for addressing a single person. With some verbs, abbreviated forms are also used in spoken language.

In the second-person singular negative, 'non' is normally followed by the infinitive. This construction is very common for prohibitions and admonitions, and often substitutes the direct imperative. For this area of the verbal system it is useful to also compare the Pronominal Verbs.

With the first person plural, the imperative includes the speaker and listener in the same action. This form invites action together, to propose a common plan, or to give shared instructions. It is a natural use when the speaker wants to involve the group.

With the second-person plural, the imperative is used to address several people in an informal way. This form is common in instructions, reminders, and requests directed to a group. In standard Italian it is the normal choice when speaking to a close and direct audience.

With the polite form, the imperative is expressed with the present subjunctive in the third person singular for Lei and in the third person plural for Loro. In contemporary use, the Lei form is the truly living one; Loro is today very rare and archaic in tone. For this area, the connection with the Subjunctive is useful.

Many common verbs have irregular imperative forms that must be recognized as lexical chunks. Among the most common are to be, to have, to go, to do, to give and to stay. These forms are very frequent in everyday language and also in texts related to the Simple Conditional and the Compound Conditional, where register choice is often important.

The imperative is chosen when one wants a direct, operative and immediate effect on the addressee. If the intention is more courteous or less direct, especially in formal register, the subjunctive or the conditional is often preferred. The choice therefore depends on the relationship between the speaker, the addressee and the degree of communicative pressure.

The imperative organizes commands, requests, invitations, advice, exhortations, prohibitions and instructions with a very compact structure. The form changes according to the addressee: you (tu), we (noi), you all (voi), and the courtesy form with Lei. The irregular forms and the position of clitic pronouns show that the practical value of the imperative combines with precise morphological rules and a strong sensitivity to register.