Imperative mood

Definition

The imperative mood is a grammatical mood used to issue commands, requests, or instructions. It is distinct from other moods like indicative and subjunctive, as it focuses on the speaker's intention to direct someone else to perform an action, often omitting the subject as it is usually understood to be 'you'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Imperative sentences often start with a verb and can be either affirmative or negative, such as 'Sit down' or 'Don't speak.'
2. The imperative mood can imply urgency or importance, depending on the context and tone used by the speaker.
3. While often giving direct orders, imperatives can also be used for polite requests by adding 'please,' making the command sound more courteous.
4. Imperative mood can sometimes include a subject for clarity, particularly in formal writing, as in 'You should finish your homework.'
5. In English, the imperative form is unique because it can sometimes imply consequences, indicating what might happen if the command is not followed.

Review Questions

• How does the use of the imperative mood differ from the indicative and subjunctive moods in conveying meaning?
  • The imperative mood is specifically focused on issuing commands or requests, while the indicative mood states facts or asks questions about reality. The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, hypotheticals, or conditions contrary to fact. This distinction highlights how each mood serves different communicative purposes; for example, while an indicative sentence might say 'You are late,' an imperative could command 'Hurry up!' showing a clear call to action.
• In what contexts might using the imperative mood be more effective than using other grammatical moods?
  • Using the imperative mood can be particularly effective in situations where clarity and directness are needed, such as in instructions or emergency situations. For instance, saying 'Call 911!' is much more impactful than saying 'You should call 911' because it conveys urgency and immediacy. In instructional writing or commands within a recipe, imperatives provide straightforward guidance that readers can easily follow without ambiguity.
• Evaluate how tone affects the interpretation of an imperative sentence and give examples of both positive and negative implications.
  • Tone plays a significant role in how an imperative sentence is received and interpreted. For example, saying 'Please pass the salt' carries a polite and friendly tone, making it a courteous request. In contrast, saying 'Pass the salt!' with a harsh tone may come off as rude or demanding. Thus, even though both sentences are in the imperative mood, the tone changes their implications and the relationship between speaker and listener.

Related terms

Command: An authoritative direction or instruction that tells someone what to do.

Request: A polite or formal appeal to someone to do something.

Subject: The part of a sentence or clause that indicates what it is about, usually the doer of the action.