Unit 4 The imperative and "let"

Main points

• The imperative is the same as the base form of a verb.
• You form a negative imperative with `do not', `don't', or `never'.
• You use the imperative to ask or tell someone to do something, or to give advice, warnings, or instructions on how to do something.
• You use `let' when you are offering to do something, making suggestions, or telling someone to do something.

1 The imperative is the same as the base form of a verb. You do not use a pronoun in front of it.

• Come to my place.
• Start when you hear the bell.

2 You form a negative imperative by putting `do not', `don't', or `never' in front of the verb.

• Do not write in this book.
• Don't go so fast.
• Never open the front door to strangers.

3 You use the imperative when you are:

* asking or telling someone to do something

• Pass the salt.
• Hurry up!

* giving someone advice or a warning

• Mind your head.
• Take care!

* giving someone instructions on how to do something

• Put this bit over here, so it fits into that hole.
• Turn right off Broadway into Caxton Street.

4 When you want to make an imperative more polite or more emphatic, you can put `do' in front of it.

• Do have a chocolate biscuit.
• Do stop crying.
• Do be careful.

5 The imperative is also used in written instructions on how to do something, for example on notices and packets of food, and in books.

• To report faults, dial 6666.
• Store in a dry place.
• Fry the chopped onion and pepper in the oil.

Note that written instructions usually have to be short. This means that words such as `the' are often omitted.

• Wear rubber gloves. Turn off switch. Wipe bulb.

Written imperatives are also used to give warnings.

• Reduce speed now.

6 You use `let me' followed by the base form of a verb when you are offering to do something for someone.

• Let me take your coat.
• Let me give you a few details.

7 You use `let's' followed by the base form of a verb when you are suggesting what you and someone else should do.

• Let's go outside.
• Let's look at our map.

Note that the form `let us' is only used in formal or written English.

• Let us consider a very simple example.

You put `do' before `let's' when you are very keen to do something.

• Do let's get a taxi.
  

The negative of `let's' is `let's not' or `don't let's'.

• Let's not talk about that.
• Don't let's actually write it in the book.

8 You use `let' followed by a noun group and the base form of a verb when you are telling someone to do something or to allow someone else to do it.

• Let me see it.
• Let Philip have a look at it.