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Beginner English Grammar (A2) Lesson 17 of 25

Imperatives

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

Conversation 1

Woman: Can you help me cook dinner?
Man: Sure. How can I help?
Woman: Please make a fruit salad. Use the fruit on the table.
Man: OK. The bananas, strawberries, and kiwis?
Woman: Yes, that’s right. Please cut them up and put them in a bowl. Wash them and then add yogurt on top. We will have it for dessert.
Man: SOK, I can do that. What else?
Woman: Then, set the table. Make places for five people. My friend will join us.
Man: Oh, great! Anything else?
Woman: Yes, after that, please text the kids. Tell them to be home by six.
Man: Got it. I’m on it.

Conversation 2

Man: Where is the library?
Woman: It’s not far from here. It’s in the park.
Man: How do you get there?
Woman: It’s easy. Go down this road. At the second light, turn left.
Man: OK, so I walk down this road two blocks, and then turn left.
Woman: Yes, that’s right. You will see the park. The library is in the park.
Man: Thanks for your help.
Woman: Don’t mention it.

Conversation 3

Man: Mrs. Jones, I missed class. What is the homework?
Woman: Tonight, please write a 100 word essay about your hobby.
Man: Can I write about football?
Woman: Yes, of course. But, please write in pen, not pencil.
Man: Can I use a computer and print it?
Woman: No, do not use a computer. Write it by hand.
Man: Can I write it in my notebook?
Woman: No, use a piece of paper.
Man: Is that all?
Woman: No, also please read chapter 10 in your book.
Man: Is that it?
Woman: Yes, that’s it.

Conversation 4

Man: Lately, I feel sleepy and tired. I have low energy. Do you have any tips?
Woman: Yes, eat lots of vegetables. Also, don’t eat carbs like bread, rice, and pasta.
Man: OK, what about meat?
Woman: Some meat is fine, but don’t eat fast food, like fried chicken.
Man: What about drinks?
Woman: Drink tea or water. Don’t drink beverages with sugar.
Man: What about exercise?
Woman: Exercise every day, but don’t exercise too much.
Man: I can do that. Any other advise?
Woman: Yes, get lots of sleep. Sleep 8 hours a day.
Man: Oh, that’s easy. I love sleep.

Imperatives

Point 1: Imperatives are used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice.
  1. Sit down.
  2. Please open the window.
  3. Take care of yourself.
  4. Don't eat that. It is old.
Point 2: To make a negative imperative, use "do not" or the contraction "don't" before the verb.
  1. Do not touch that.
  2. Do not forget about the test.
  3. Don't be late.
  4. Don't listen to him.
Point 3: Imperatives can sound more polite by adding the word "please" before or after the verb.
  1. Come here, please.
  2. Please mail this today.
  3. Please open your books to page 10.
  4. Please don't forget.
Point 4: Imperatives are often used to give a series of instructions.
  1. Please join us at the park for a picnic.
  2. Take bus 12 to the park.
  3. At the park, look for the picnic tables.
  4. Please bring some water with you.
Answer these questions about the interview.

Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!

Grammar Listening Practice


A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-16 Adverbs of Time
It’s at one. It starts soon.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-17 Imperatives
Drink tea or water. Don't drink soda.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-18 Adverbs of Quantity
I watch a lot of TV.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-19 Also, Too, As Well - Similarity
I have a dog, and I also have a cat.

A2 Grammar Lesson
A2-20 Can - Requests
Hello, can I get your name?

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