Commands / Imperative Mood

Commands / Imperative Mood
In Dutch: Gebiedende wijs
aka
Telling people what to do
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Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMBOStudiejaar 3

This lesson contains 23 slides, with interactive quizzes and text slides.

Items in this lesson

Commands / Imperative Mood
In Dutch: Gebiedende wijs
aka
Telling people what to do

Slide 1 - Slide

Agenda
  • Examples
  • When we use commands/imperative mood
  • How to form commands
  • Practice

Slide 2 - Slide

Examples
  • Be quiet.
  • Clean your room.
  • Take out your workbook.
  • Put your phone away. 
  • Do not talk.
  • Don't stay out too late. 
  • Do not spend all your money. 

Slide 3 - Slide

When do we use commands?
  • The most obvious: we use them to tell people what to do or not do. 
  • Commands can be used for polite directions/requests. 
  • Use them when you want to be direct and clear. 

Slide 4 - Slide

When do we use commands?
  • Great for the action column on your action/decision list. 
  • They make your sentences shorter & ensure the actions are clear. 
  • They emphasize the action over the action-owner. 

  • *****You are not required to use commands on your action/decision list. But it can make it easier! 

Slide 5 - Slide

When do we use commands?
  • Commands can be used for polite directions/requests OR rude demands/rebukes. In English, this difference depends on tone and context! 
  • In Dutch you have words that make commands more polite (hoor, even, maar, etc). These do not exist in English. 
  • If you want to be sure your command is polite, you can add "please" to the beginning or end. **Not necessary on your action/decision list because the point of using commands is for clarity. 

Slide 6 - Slide

How to form commands
For all verbs except TO BE, use the base form of the verb: 
  • To take --> take; Take a seat. 
  • To give --> give; Give me your name. 
  • To arrive --> arrive; Arrive at 3pm. 

For TO BE, use BE (the base form without conjugation): 
  • To be --> be; Be nice. Be on time. Be polite. 

Slide 7 - Slide

How to form commands
  • Sometimes you will want a negative command (using NOT). 
  • For these, you need your helper verb TO DO

DO + NOT + BASE FORM VERB + REST
  • Do not talk
  • Do not arrive late. 
  • Don't be rude. 

Slide 8 - Slide

Let's practice!
Round 1: Choose the command.
Round 2: Rewrite the questions as a command. 
Round 3: Rewrite the command as a negative.

Slide 9 - Slide

Choose the command.
A
Can you be quiet?
B
Should we quiet down?
C
We are not talking.
D
Be silent.

Slide 10 - Quiz

Choose the command.
A
You can park here.
B
You cannot park here.
C
Do not park here.
D
She is parking the car.

Slide 11 - Quiz

Choose the command.
A
She answered the phone.
B
Will you answer the phone?
C
We cannot hear the phone.
D
Answer the phone.

Slide 12 - Quiz

Choose the command.
A
I am getting a drink.
B
Don't drink and drive.
C
Do you want a drink?
D
I am not drinking.

Slide 13 - Quiz

Let's practice!
Round 1: Choose the command.
Round 2: Rewrite the questions as a command. 
Round 3: Rewrite the command as a negative.

Slide 14 - Slide

Will you get me a drink?

Slide 15 - Open question

Can you answer the phone?

Slide 16 - Open question

Will you call me after work?

Slide 17 - Open question

Can you help me?

Slide 18 - Open question

Let's practice!
Round 1: Choose the command.
Round 2: Rewrite the questions as a command. 
Round 3: Rewrite the command as a negative.

Slide 19 - Slide

Listen to the news.

Slide 20 - Open question

Ask Angela about her brother.

Slide 21 - Open question

Use plastic bags.

Slide 22 - Open question

Summary
  • Use commands to give direct, clear directions.

  • Use commands on your action/decision list for the action column. **Not required, but can make it easier. 

  • Command = base form of verb; TO BE = be 

Slide 23 - Slide