Imperatives are used to give commands, provide instructions, or make requests. Start directly with the base form of the verb, without a subject.
打开Open （冠词）the 门door 请, please.
Please open the door.
坐Sit 下down.
Sit down.
Negative: Add Don't at the beginning.
不要Don't （是）be 迟到late.
Don't be late.
Key Usage Points:
- Add please to be more polite: Please come in.
- Also used for directions and instructions: Turn left. Mix the eggs.
Note: Do not write a subject in imperatives: ~~You open the door~~ (for a command) → Open the door.
Common Errors
- ❌ ~~Please open door.~~ → ✓ Please open the door. — Articles must still be included in imperatives.
- ❌ ~~Don't to touch it.~~ → ✓ Don't touch it. — Follow don't directly with the base form of the verb; do not add to.
- ❌ ~~No talk in class!~~ → ✓ Don't talk in class! / No talking! — To prohibit an action, use don't + base form; after no, use -ing or a noun.
- ❌ ~~You sit down!~~ → ✓ Sit down, please. — Adding you to a command sounds angry; add please for politeness, or change to Can you…?