Lesson 9 · Stage 1: The basics
Imperatives: Let's / Don't
BeginnerForm & use
Let's + verb, Don't + verb — suggesting or telling someone what to do
1.Form
The imperative starts with the base form of the verb and has no subject (it is understood as “you”). Negative: Don't + base form.
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | Sit down. · Close the door. · Wait for me. |
| Negative | Don't worry. · Don't touch that. |
| With be | Be careful. · Be quiet. · Don't be late. |
| Never | Never share your password. |
2.What it is for
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Instructions, directions | Turn left at the traffic lights. · Add a pinch of salt. |
| Requests, orders | Turn off your phones, please. |
| Warnings | Watch out! · Mind the gap. · Don't run! |
| Invitations, advice | Come in. · Have a seat. · Take an umbrella. |
| Good wishes | Have a nice day! · Enjoy your meal! · Get well soon! |
3.Making it more polite
Imperatives can sound quite direct. To soften them:
- Add please at the start or the end: Please wait here. / Wait here, please.
- Add just for a small, quick action: Just sign here.
- Turn it into a question when asking a favour: Could you open the window? (see the lesson “Requests and offers”).
With strangers, colleagues or your boss, prefer “Could you…?” to an imperative — even one with please.
4.Let's: suggesting doing something together
Let's + base form (= let us) invites others to do something with you. Negative: Let's not + base form.
Let's go for a walk.
Let's not argue about it.
5.Adding you for emphasis
Sometimes speakers add you to divide up tasks or for emphasis: You wait here, I'll get the car. Without a friendly tone, this can sound bossy.
6.Common mistakes
Not touch it!Don't touch it!
The negative uses don't.
Don't to open the door.Don't open the door.
No to after don't.
Don't be worry.Don't worry.
worry is a verb; it doesn't need be.
Be not late.Don't be late.
The negative of be also uses don't.
Let's to go.Let's go.
Base form without to after let's.
Examples
- Don't touch the oven. It's very hot!
- Let's go for a walk. It's a beautiful day.
- Don't forget to bring your passport tomorrow.
- Let's take a photo here!
