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Imperative sentences are one of the main types of sentences; they are also independent clauses, which provide the reader with a complete idea.
Learn about imperative sentences and how to format them properly in your writing. Then, conveniently review your grammar and spelling with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.
An imperative sentence gives a command, issues a demand or direction, and prompts action.
You always write them as independent clauses. So, an imperative sentence should be a complete thought and contain both a subject and a verb.
For punctuation, you should generally end an imperative sentence with a period (.). However, you can also end it with an exclamation point (!) if the sentence expresses urgency or emphasis.
Examples of imperative sentences:
The subject of an imperative sentence is typically the implied “you,” meaning it’s not explicitly stated but is intended. The “you” might be singular, directed toward one person or plural, directed to a group (all of you).
There’s more than one type of sentence in English grammar. There are four primary types.
The main difference between the types of sentences is how they relay information and what kind of punctuation ends the sentence.
Review the chart below for a quick refresher on sentence types and their end punctuation:
Just because imperative sentences often end in periods and tend to deliver instructional information, that doesn’t mean they are dull, flat, or simply constructed.
Imperative sentences may also be sophisticated, combining different sentence structures (such as independent and dependent clauses) to add depth and additional information to the context of a sentence.
To make more complicated sentences, imperative clauses may be combined with other types of clauses (declarative, exclamatory, interrogative). However, command, directive, or instruction still plays an important role in a more complex sentence.
To write a simple imperative sentence, the formula is well, simple. You only need to include one independent clause.
Examples:
Then, a compound imperative sentence has two (or more) independent clauses. To connect or combine the clauses a coordinating conjunction is essential (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Alternatively, you can use a semicolon (;).
Examples:
There’s also the option to write a complex imperative sentence.
Complex imperative sentences include at least two sentence clauses:
In this case, use a subordinating conjunction (when, while, because, since, etc.) or a relative pronoun (which, who, that, etc.) as the connector.
Examples:
Finally, the most intricate type of imperative sentence in writing is: compound-complex. To write a compound-complex imperative sentence, you’ll need to add multiple sentence structures (clauses) together.
Create a compound-complex sentence with 3 (or more) sentence clauses:
Examples:
Turn here if you don’t mind, and I’ll follow you because my house is that way.
(Imperative independent + dependent clause + declarative independent + dependent)
Yes, imperatives can be phrased politely. Adding ‘please’ or ‘kindly’ can soften the tone of an imperative sentence and make it sound less harsh.
Examples:
Sometimes adverbs that explain how to fulfill a command can soften the tone, too:
Just as imperative sentences aren’t always simple, they don’t always have the same functions. An imperative sentence can be used in different ways:
While you might not want to write a piece of content in all imperative sentences, they perform many important functions in communication.
Imagine writing directions or a recipe without them: Add four eggs? Turn left at the light? There are many instances in which clear, direct commands are needed.
In marketing writing, imperative sentences are often the calls to action: Learn more. Call now. Enroll today.
Imperative sentences do so much more than just describe commands. They provide helpful direction and deliver clear instructions.
Make content review a breeze with the Originality.ai AI Grammar Checker.
Then, learn more grammar best practices in our top guides:
