1.7: Grammar: Imperative Mood

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Understanding and Using the Imperative Mood

Form: Imperative Mood

Read the summary below to learn how to form the imperative mood.

The imperative mood is the base form of the verb. The subject is the implied ‘you,’ but the subject is not written in the sentence.

Imperative mood = base form verb + (complement)

Example: Open the door! (Open is the base form of the verb. The door is the complement.)

Negative imperative = Do not (don’t) + base form + (complement)

Example: Don’t forget your umbrella! (Forget is the base form of the verb. Your umbrella is the complement).

Meaning: Imperative Mood

The imperative mood is used to make requests, give instructions or directions, and give orders.

Request: Sit down, please.

Instructions: Read the first part of the chapter.

Orders: Leave now!

Practice Paragraph: Email Etiquette

Identify the verbs in the imperative mood in this paragraph.

How then can we write professional and clear emails? There are a few tips you can follow. First, the subject line of the email should state the reason for the email. For example, “Question About Homework” is clear and concise. This is better than saying “Help!” which is not clear. This sounds like an emergency, even though it is not. Second, do not use all capital letters. Capital letters, like “WHEN IS THE PAPER DUE?” make the reader think you are shouting, or yelling at them. This is very impolite and may make the reader upset. Instead, use correct punctuation. Check to make sure you capitalized the first letter of a sentence and all proper nouns. This shows the reader that you took the time to proofread your email. Third, be very clear about why you are writing. Do not write too much; people receive hundreds of emails a day, so they do not have time to read an essay! Be clear and concise. Finally, always say “thank you” at the end. Sometimes, we are angry and do not want to say “thank you,” but showing this politeness will
help you later. If you are polite and thankful, the reader is more likely to respond and to help you. Emails are an important part of communication; make sure you use them correctly so that they benefit you.

For more information about the imperative mood, watch this video.

For more practice with the Imperative Mood, use this website.