524. Sentence Purpose: The Imperative Sentence

The imperative sentence gives an order or a command. An imperative sentence always begins with a verb. The subject is understood to be the word you, the person being spoken to.
Take this letter to the mailbox. (You) take this letter to the mailbox.
An imperative sentence ends with either a period or an exclamation point, depending on how urgent the command.

Here are some urgent imperative statements. Notice that they end with exclamation points.
Watch out for that wild bull!
Run for your life!
Close the windows right now!
Don’t drop those expensive dishes!

These imperative sentences end with a period. They still issue a command, but they are not urgent.
Have a seat,
Mow the lawn before it gets too hot.
Put these boxes in the garage.
Print out your essay before class tomorrow.

An imperative sentence gives a command. Begin an imperative sentence with a verb; end with either a period or an exclamation point.

▶Now it’s your turn. Think of a non-urgent command you can give to someone. Begin with a verb and end with a period. You have written an imperative sentence. Good for you!