ZWK 2 Commands / Imperative Mood

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 3

Commands / Imperative Mood

In Dutch: Gebiedende wijs

aka

Telling people what to do

lesson plan

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

Examples

• Be quiet.
• Clean your work bench.
• Put your phone away. 
• Do not talk.
• Don't let it boil too long. 
• Don't forget to order fresh vegetables. 

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. 
• Use them when you want to be direct and clear. 

When do we use commands?

• Great for giving instructions in the kitchen. 
• They make sentences shorter & ensure the actions are clear.

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. 

How to form commands

For all verbs except TO BE, use the base form of the verb: 

• To take --> take; Take a fish slice. 
• To give --> give; Give me an ovendish. 
• To arrive --> arrive; Arrive at 3pm. 

• To be --> be; Be nice. Be on time. Be polite. 

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. 

Let's practice!

Round 1: Choose the command.

Choose the command.

1. Can you be quiet?
2. Should we quiet down?
3. We are not talking.
4. Be silent.

Choose the command.

1. You can park here.
2. You cannot park here.
3. Do not park here.
4. She is parking the car.

Choose the command.

1. She answered the phone.
2. Will you answer the phone?
3. We cannot hear the phone.
4. Answer the phone.

Choose the command.

1. I am getting a drink.
2. Don't drink and drive.
3. Do you want a drink?
4. I am not drinking.

Let's practice!

Round 2: Rewrite the questions as a command. 

Will you get me a drink?

Can you answer the phone?

Will you call me after work?

Can you help me?

Let's practice!

Round 3: Rewrite the command as a negative.

Use more salt.

Turn off the gas.

Throw away the left-overs.

Summary

• Use commands to give direct, clear directions.

• Use commands in your kitchen instructions

• Read the recipe carefully. / Don't leave the steak on the grill too long.