What are command sentences

What are Command Sentences

Command Sentences

A command sentence is a sentence that is used to give a command, give instructions, make a request, or give a piece of advice. More obviously, a command is used to tell someone to do something.

Who is someone? Someone is the second person to whom a command is given. Something includes a piece of instructions, a piece of advice, a piece of authoritative directions, or an instance of asking.

• Go out.
• Handle these fragile things with care.
• Respect others and you will be respected.
• Give her two hundred dollars to buy something, please.

Form of Command Sentence

When we form a command sentence, we focus on three main elements that help in constructing a command sentence.

Elements of a Command Sentence

Implied Subject (You)

A command sentence looks as if it does not have a subject. An implied subject (You) is there, but we don’t use it. It is also called an understood subject. Everyone knows what the subject of a command sentence is.

• Turn your face back.

This is a command sentence. It seems that there is no subject. In fact, there is a subject ‘you’. A command is always given to the second person, so we consider the second-person pronoun as a subject in commands. A command can be given to one or more than one. We use ‘you’ for both singular and plural.

When we diagram a command sentence, we use the understood subject ‘you’ in parenthesis.

• (You) turn your face back.

Sometimes, we use a direct title at the start of a command sentence. That title is not considered a subject.

• Kids, listen carefully.

We can write this sentence as kids, (you) listen carefully. It means the subject is ‘you’, but not ‘kids’.

Imperative Verb

A command sentence begins with the main verb or an infinitive form of a verb without ‘to’. The verb is followed by the rest of the predicate. Even a command sentence can be a single verb.

• Stop.
• Calculate all of these once again.

Punctuation Marks

A command sentence ends with a full stop or exclamation mark. A command sentence with an exclamation mark is used for emphasis.

• Come to class on time.
• Go, and never use my mobile again!

Negative Commands

We use a negative command to tell someone not to do something. Negative commands begin with "do not" or the shorter form ‘don’t’.

• Do not forget to do your homework.
• Don’t discuss your plan with everyone.
• Don’t drive fast when it rains.

Exceptional Cases

Sometimes, we use a subject in an imperative sentence to make the subject clear.

• Ali sit down.
• One answer the phone.
• Everyone get ready.

We can use ‘you’ as a subject to show anger.

• You keep quiet!
• Don’t you talk to others!

We often use an imperative form to make a suggestion and express hope, but these are called unreal commands.

• Have a nice trip. (Hope)
• Bring a blue pen if there is no black pen. (Suggestion)

We can use ‘do’ before an imperative sentence to make a request, apologies, and complaints. They become more emphatic and polite.

• Do change your seat with me. (Request)
• Do forgive him. (Apology)
• Do keep silent. (Complaint)

The words always, never, and ever are used before imperative sentences.

• Always remember my advice.
• Never tell a lie.
• Don’t ever tell a lie.

We sometimes use tag questions after imperative sentences to emphasize.

• Lend me some money, will you?
• Write a letter yourself, can you?

Key Points Related to Command Sentences

Conditional Imperative

What is a conditional sentence? It is a sentence that shows a condition. It consists of one conditional clause. A command sentence is called a conditional command sentence when it has a conditional clause and command. In this case, a command is given under a specific condition.

• If he does not attend the class, call me.
• When you reach your home, tell me by sending a text message.

Softening Imperative Sentences

In writing, writers with imperative sentences come across as bossy, even when they don’t want to. This is because you can’t use the tone of voice or body language to soften your request.

Imperative sentences can be softened by using some tricks. You can add the word ‘please’ to the imperative sentence to make its tone more polite.

• Switch off the light.
• Please switch off the light. (Soften)

Another way to make an imperative sentence soften is by turning the imperative sentence into a question. The second sentence in the below examples is not imperative, but you can use it for the same purpose.

• Give her two hundred dollars.
• Could you please give her two hundred dollars?

Sometimes, you can add the reason for the command to soften.

• Don’t call me again.
• Don’t call me again; my mobile will be switched off, and I won’t forget your work.

You can also use “I would like you to” + command, or “I would be grateful if you would” + command to make a command more polite.

• I would like you to call the meeting.
• I would be grateful if you would give me a glass of water. 

Using of Reflexive Pronoun

As we know that ‘You’ the implied subject is used in imperative sentences. We don’t write the implied subject. When you need to use a reflexive pronoun, you can use ‘yourself’ or ‘yourselves depending on the subject whether it is singular or plural.  

• John, evaluate yourself before participating in games.
• Dear students, evaluate yourselves before participating in games.

Frequently Asked Questions on What are Command Sentences?

What is an example of a command sentence?

Here is an example of the command sentence. Call all the employees for a meeting by next Monday. In this example, the authority gives a command to the concerned body. The authority tells him to do this.

Which sentence is a command?

A sentence that gives an order is called a command sentence. Close your books for five minutes. This is an example of the command sentences.

What are 10 examples of command sentences?

The 10 examples of command sentences are:

• Shut down your computer.
• Keep quiet!
• Don’t be lazy!
• Down your hands!
• Stand up and go out.
• Call your father urgently.
• Load the truck right now.
• Don’t let him go to the park.
• Be careful and handle it with care.
• Don’t tell this to your class fellows. 

Thank you for visiting Study English Page.

 

 Related Links:

• Sentences
• Types of sentences
• Declarative Sentences
• Questions
• Exclamations
• Simple Sentences
• Compound Sentences
• Complex Sentences
• Compound Complex Sentences
• Compound vs Complex Sentences