What Is an Imperative Sentence (with Examples)

An imperative sentence gives a direct command. It can end in a full stop or an exclamation mark, depending on the forcefulness of the command.

The main verb in an imperative sentence is said to be in the imperative mood.

Examples of Imperative Sentences

Here are some examples of imperative sentences:

Clear this desk by tomorrow!
Please tidy your room.
Consider the lily.
Drive to the roundabout and then turn left.

A Period (Full Stop) or Exclamation Mark with an Imperative Sentence?

If the command is forceful, use an exclamation mark. For example:

Get out!

If the command is polite or in the form of advice, use period / full stop. For example:

Please leave.
Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs from your own. (Dandemis)

Other Sentence Types

Here are some examples of other sentence types:

Declarative Sentence
A declarative sentence states a fact or an argument and ends with a
full stop (

) / period (

). For example:

Lee has caught another whelk.

Interrogative Sentence
An interrogative sentence asks a question. It ends with a question mark (?). For example:

Is that another whelk, Lee?

Exclamatory Sentence
An exclamatory sentence expresses excitement or emotion. It ends with an exclamation mark (!). For example:

I've hooked another whelk!

A Quick Test

Help Us To Improve English Grammar Lessons

Do you disagree with something on this page?
Did you spot a typo?

Please tell us using this form.