The imperative mood is used to tell someone what to do. It covers direct commands, instructions, requests, invitations, and warnings. Imperatives often focus on the action, so the subject is usually omitted because it is understood. In English, the implied subject is most often “you.”

Most imperatives use the base form of the verb: “Open the door.” This form does not change for person or number, so the same verb form works for one person or many. The listener is inferred from context, not shown in the verb ending. If you add a subject, it is mainly for emphasis or clarity.

Rule	Example
Use the base verb form	Close the window.
Subject is usually omitted	Sit down.
Add a subject for emphasis or contrast	You stay here.
Imperative works for singular or plural listener	Everyone listen carefully.

To make an imperative negative, use “do not” or the contraction “don’t” before the base verb. Negative imperatives are used to stop, forbid, or warn against an action. The meaning can be strict or gentle depending on tone and context. In writing, “do not” can sound more formal or more forceful than “don’t.”

Rule	Example
Use do not plus base verb	Do not touch that.
Use don’t for everyday speech	Don’t worry.
Put do not before be	Don’t be late.
Use negative imperative for warnings	Don’t forget your passport.

Imperatives can sound abrupt, so English often adds politeness markers to soften them. Common softeners include “please,” “could you,” “would you,” “let’s,” and friendly openings like “just” or “when you have a minute.” These additions do not change the core imperative meaning, but they change the social tone. “Please” can be placed at the beginning or end, with slightly different emphasis.

Rule	Example
Add please to soften the command	Please take a seat.
Put please at the end for a gentle request	Pass the salt, please.
Use could you or would you for polite requests	Could you email me the file?
Use when you have a minute to reduce urgency	When you have a minute, call me.

“Let’s” creates an inclusive imperative that suggests an action for the speaker and listener together. It is used for suggestions, plans, and invitations rather than orders. The negative form is commonly “Let’s not” plus the base verb. In more formal or careful speech, “Do not let’s” exists but is much less common.

Rule	Example
Use let’s plus base verb for a shared action	Let’s start now.
Use let’s for suggestions and planning	Let’s meet at six.
Negative is usually let’s not plus base verb	Let’s not argue about it.
Use shall we as a tag to invite agreement	Let’s take a break, shall we?

English can add “do” before an affirmative imperative to make it sound more insistent, encouraging, or persuasive. This is common in spoken English and friendly hosting situations, but it can also add pressure in disagreements. It is different from the auxiliary “do” in questions because it does not invert with the subject. The verb after “do” stays in the base form.

Rule	Example
Use do plus base verb for emphasis	Do come in.
Use emphasis do for encouragement	Do try the soup.
Use emphasis do to insist	Do listen to me.

The verb “be” forms imperatives with “Be” plus an adjective or noun phrase. These can express behavior, attitude, or identity in a moment, and they often sound stronger than action-verb imperatives. The negative uses “Don’t be.” In many contexts, “Be” imperatives can feel personal, so softeners are common when politeness matters.

Rule	Example
Use be plus adjective for behavior or attitude	Be quiet.
Use be plus noun phrase for roles or identity	Be a good friend.
Negative uses don’t be	Don’t be rude.
Add softeners to reduce harshness	Please be careful.

Imperatives are strongly shaped by tone, context, and add-ons like question tags. Tags such as “will you,” “would you,” or “can you” can make an instruction sound more like a request, but they can also sound impatient if stressed. A rising intonation often signals friendliness or invitation, while a falling intonation often signals authority or finality. Written imperatives also change tone through punctuation and word choice.

Rule	Example
Use will you as a request tag	Close the door, will you?
Use can you for a practical request	Give me a hand, can you?
Use okay or alright to soften and seek agreement	Text me when you arrive, okay?
Exclamation marks increase urgency or emotion	Stop!

Although imperatives usually omit the subject, English can include it for contrast, control, or clarity. “You” can sound forceful, especially when correcting someone or assigning responsibility. Names or group labels can target the instruction to a specific person or audience. Adding “somebody” or “someone” can assign a task without choosing a specific person directly.

Rule	Example
Use you for strong focus or correction	You apologize right now.
Use a name to target one person	Maya, call me after class.
Use group labels for audience control	Kids, settle down.
Use someone to assign a task indirectly	Someone get a chair.

Imperatives appear in many everyday contexts, not only in strict commands. They are standard for instructions, directions, signs, recipes, manuals, and spoken guidance. They are also used for offers and invitations, especially with “help yourself” or “have.” Understanding the intended relationship and setting helps you interpret whether an imperative is strict, neutral, or friendly.

Rule	Example
Use imperatives for instructions and procedures	Add the eggs and stir.
Use imperatives for directions	Turn left at the lights.
Use imperatives in signs and notices	Keep off the grass.
Use imperatives for invitations and hosting	Have a seat.

English imperatives use the base verb form, usually with an implied “you.” Negatives use “do not” or “don’t,” and politeness often depends on add-ons like “please” or modal request forms. “Let’s” creates an inclusive suggestion, and “do” can add emphasis. Subject choices, tags, and intonation strongly influence how direct or polite an imperative sounds.