Lesson Four

Also known as the imperative form, commands are very easy to use. Begin the sentence with a verb and end with an object, a person or a thing.

Tell someone to do something:

* Answer the phone, please.

* Drive to the post office.

* Help me find this information.

The subject in each of these sentences is “you,” but it doesn’t sound correct to use the subject.

* You answer the phone, please.

* You drive to the post office.

* You help me.

Tell someone not to do something:

* Don’t do that. (The subject is “you.”)

* Don’t hit him.

* Don’t drive a car without a seat belt.

In each sentence above, the present tense is used and the subject is “you.

The polite form of a command uses the word “please.”

* Please give that to me.

* Pass the potatoes, please. (Use the word “pass” when you sit at a table with other people and eat food.)

If someone doesn’t do what you wanted him or her to do, use the word “tell.” For examples, click here.

Here’s a video that explains commands: