2015-08-21
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The imperative form is the same as the bare infinitive [> 16.1]:
Affirmative form (base form of the verb): Wait!
Negative short form {Don't + base form): Don't wait!
Emphatic form (Do + base form): Do wait a moment!
Addressing someone (e.g. pronoun + base form): You wait here!
Imperative + question tag: Wait here will you?
Imperatives joined by and: Go and play outside
The imperative
9.52 Some common uses of the imperative [compare > 10.5]
We use the imperative for direct orders and suggestions and also for
a variety of other purposes. Stress and intonation, gesture, facial
expression, and, above all, situation and context, indicate whether the
use of this form is friendly, abrupt, angry, impatient, persuasive, etc.
The negative form is usually expressed by Don't. The full form (Do
not) is used mainly in public notices. Here are some common uses:
1 Direct commands, requests, suggestions: Follow me. Shut the door (please) Don't worry!
2 Warnings: Look out! There s a bus1 Don't panic!
3 Directions: Take the 2nd turning on the left and then turn right
4 Instructions: Use a moderate oven and bake for 20 minutes
5 Prohibitions (in e.g. public notices):
Keep off the grass! Do not feed the animals!
6 Advice (especially after always and never [> 7.40.4]): Always answer when you're spoken to! Never speak to strangers1
7 Invitations: Come and have dinner with us soon
8 Offers:
Help yourself. Have a biscuit.
9 Expressing rudeness:
Shut up! Push off!
For uses of let as an imperative [> 16.4.1].
9.53 Uses of the imperative with 'do'
We use do (always stressed) before the imperative when we particularly wish to emphasize what we are saying: e.g.
- when we wish to be polite: Do have another cup of coffee
- or when we wish to express impatience: Do stop talking1
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- or when we wish to persuade: Do help me with this maths problem
In reponse to requests for permission, offers, etc. do and don't can be used in place of a full imperative: May/Shall I switch the light ofP - Yes, do. No, don't.
