English usually omits the subject pronoun in imperative sentences:
- You work hard. (indicative)
- Work hard! (imperative; subject pronoun you omitted)
Negative imperative
English imperatives are negated using don’t (as in “Don’t work!“) This is a case of do-support as found in indicative clauses; however, in the imperative it applies even in the case of the verb be (which does not use do-support in the indicative):
- You are not late. (indicative)
- Don’t be late! (imperative)
do-support in affirmative imperatives
It is also possible to use do-support in affirmative imperatives, for emphasis or (sometimes) politeness:
- Do be quiet!
- Do help yourself!
Subject and Pronouns
The subject you may be included for emphasis (It’s sound very direct)
- A: Can I leave the room? B: No. You stay here.
- Don’t you dare do that again!
- Don’t you dare laugh!
- Don’t you worry. Everything will be okay.
We can also use words like someone, somebody, no one, nobody, everyone, everybody, especially in speaking:
- Somebody call a doctor. Quick!
- Everybody sit down, please.
- It’s a surprise party, so don’t anybody mention it to Jim.
short responses
A: Shall I show everyone the old photo of you? B: No, don’t. It’s terrible!
Question tags
We sometimes use question tags with imperatives. They make the imperative less direct:
- Turn on the light, will you?
- Ask him, can you?
Won’t you? adds more emphasis to the imperative:
- Write to me, won’t you?
The tag after a negative imperative is normally will you:
- Don’t tell anyone, will you?
Negative imperative of let’s
Imperatives with let (let’s)
- Let me see. What should I do?
- Let’s start at nine-thirty tomorrow, please. Okay?
- A: Shall we stop now and have a coffee break? B: Let’s.
- (formal) Let us begin by welcoming our new members.
- (formal) Do let’s try to be more environmentally friendly.
Negative
- _Let’s not forget to lock the door!_
- (formal) Don’t let’s mention anything about her husband. I think they’ve split up.
Imperatives as offers and invitations
- Have another piece of melon.
- Please stay another night. You know you’ll be most welcome.
- Go on! Come to the match with us tonight.
- Don’t be afraid to ask if you want anything.