The quick answer

Use the base form of the verb, with no subject, to give an instruction or command: Open the door. Add don't before the verb for a negative command: Don't touch that. Use let's to suggest doing something together: Let's go.

The rule

The imperative uses the base form of the verb and drops the subject you completely: Wash your hands., not You wash your hands. and not To wash your hands. For a negative command, add don't before the base verb: Don't run. To suggest an action that includes the speaker, use let's (let us) + base verb: Let's eat. With the verb be, the imperative is simply Be + adjective: Be careful. Add please to sound more polite.

Form

Examples

• Wash your hands before eating.
• Don't touch the hot stove.
• Let's take a break now.
• Be careful on the stairs.
• Close the window, please.

Common mistakes

• ❌ To open the door. → ✅ Open the door. An imperative never uses to before the verb.
• ❌ Opens the window. → ✅ Open the window. An imperative uses the base verb, with no -s.
• ❌ No touch the stove. → ✅ Don't touch the stove. A negative command needs don't, not no.
• ❌ Being careful on the stairs. → ✅ Be careful on the stairs. With be, the imperative is just be, not being.