Y1 S4 the imperative

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 1

The Imperative

So first: What is the imperative?

The imperative is what we in Dutch call:

de gebiedende wijs.

So the imperative is used to instruct people, to tell them what to do. (for advice, requests, suggestions etc.)

Take a look at the following two sentences and drag them to the right place:

request (een verzoek)

an instruction

'Could you close the door?'

'Close the door.'

ok...

So 'close the door' was the instruction. It tells you what to do.

You probably think it doesn't sound as polite as the request. And you are absolutely right! 

So, what is it then?

'close the door!'

• An imperative is base verb (present simple verb). Above, 'close' is the verb.
• Imperatives are direct. Often they are used when we are angry.
• Perhaps your old school teacher told you to:​ 'Sit down! Be quiet! Stop talking!'
• When you buy, for example, a new smartwatch it comes with an instruction book telling you how to use it. This instruction book is written using imperatives. They are simple to use and easy to explain.
• Remember we can't use continuous verbs; only base verbs:​  'Stand up, please' and NOT 'Standing up, please.'

There are also negative imperatives

negative imperatives

Of course you can also tell people NOT to do something. (when you want to prevent them from walking on your lawn, for example.)

The negative form is:  Do + not + base verb.

For example: Do not speak!

Don't smoke! Do not use superglue on your little brothers forehead! And don't walk on the grass! 

(remember that do not and don't are the same thing!)

which sentence is written in imperative?

1. Run away! As fast as you can!
2. Can you run away, please?
3. My mother never told me to run.
4. Did he run away?

Which sentence gives an order?

1. Could you stay away from the fire, please?
2. Don't go near the fire!
3. You can not go near the fire!
4. We must put out the fire!

When can you use the imperative?

1. When you want to ask somebody for the salt.
2. When you want to give directions (de weg vertellen)
3. When you want to tell your little brother where his toys are.
4. When you want to ask someone for directions.

So... the correct answer was 'B'. 

Remember how I told you the imperative was used in instructionmanuels? It works the same for giving instructions how to get from a to b, or a sequence (volgorde) of instructions. 

Let me explain:

If there's a number of steps in your instructions you can use the following sequence markers:

* First​

* Then​

* Next​

* After that​

* Finally

like so: 

* first, take the underground from Blackfriars to Embankment.

* then, switch trains to Tottenham Courtroad.

* Next, leave the station and walk North for about 5 minutes.

* After that, go left on Maple street.

* Finally, take the second right. That's Fitzroy street. Then you'll reach Fitzroy square garden in no-time.

How do you translate:
'Wees op tijd'?

1. Take your time.
2. Are on time.
3. Be on time.
4. Be on the right time.

How do you translate:
'Ga naar boven!'

1. Turn up!
2. Go upstairs!
3. Go downstairs!
4. Up stairs!

How do you translate:
'Niet in de paal klimmen!'?

1. Don't in the pole climbing!
2. The pole not climbing!
3. No climbing the pole.
4. Don't climb in the pole!

You drive too fast, ____________   down! 

________ we go out?

_____  _____  on the table!

________   them to the airport!

______   _______   and drive!

_________  your dirty boots outside!

_____________ your shoes

Don't sit

Leave

Don't drink

Take

Tie

Shall

Slow

So, to conclude:

• the imperative is always the base form. But without the 'to'. And you never add 'ing' to the base form. 
• the word 'you' is implied. So we don't use it.  (Be here when the bell rings! understand: YOU be here when the bell rings!)
• To make a negative imperative, simply start with do not or don't  (don't drink the water!)
• You can add 'please' to make it sound more polite. (please, close the door!)

Do you understand the imperative?

If you don't understand the imperative yet:

Come to a workshop!

Ask questions!

Don't be embarrassed!

Practise the imparative!

Use the imparative at home!

Tell your little brother/sister to get you a drink!

I'll see you at 13.15!

If you don't understand the imparative:

-Visit my workshop at 13.15!

-Ask questions!

-Make notes!

-Don't be embarrassed!

-Practise your grammar!

-Use the imperative at home!

-Tell your kid brother/sister to get you a drink!

I'll see you at 13.15!