Course presentation on imperatives for linguistic analysis class, MATESOL,

1. IMPERATIVES

2. WHAT ARE IMPERATIVE VERBS?
• Imperative verbs are used to form imperative sentences
• Imperative or ‘bossy’ sentences. Why ‘bossy’?

3. How are they formed?
• The imperatives are formed by use of the base form of the verb
Look! Pay attention! Sit down! Close the door!
• They are direct, generally directed to second person – the subject
(you) is usually implied. But can take specific subjects everybody,
nobody, etc.

4. Negative and polite imperatives
• Negative imperatives are formed by adding the Do not and
sometimes Never
Don’t smoke! Never leave the door unlocked!
• Polite or softened imperatives are formed by adding Please
Close the door, please.

5. Why are they used?
• To give commands:
Hand that over! Sit tight!
• To give instructions or directions:
Turn your pages / Turn left
• To give informal advice:
Enjoy your life / Do something for yourself
• To give invitation:
Start without me

6. How to teach them?
• Use sequence markers for cooking a favorite dish or how to use a
particular item. First, second, third, and so on.

8. “Thus, while imperatives are relatively easy to teach – in terms of
their form – learners need clear guidance about the kinds of
contexts in which they are appropriate.” Dictionary of ELT

9. QUESTIONS?