ENGLISH COMMANDS EXERCISE (ESL) 2
level: Beginner (A1/A2)
This second imperative commands exercise continues the same format as exercise 1: a present perfect question is followed by a response requiring the correct imperative form. Start with exercise 1 if you haven't already.
Fill in each blank with the correct imperative (command) form of the verb in the question.
GRAMMAR REVIEW: Commands — Going Deeper
You've now practiced the imperative form in two different contexts. Here are some things that learners often find tricky about commands in English:
Commands with "let's"
To make a command that includes yourself, use Let's + base verb. This is an invitation, not just an instruction.
Let's go! / Let's take a break. / Let's not argue about this.
Softening a command
In English, a bare command can sometimes sound rude depending on tone and context. Adding please or using a question form makes it more polite:
Sit down. → Please sit down. → Could you sit down? → Would you mind sitting down?
The meaning is the same, but the level of formality and politeness changes significantly.
Emphatic commands
To add emphasis or show impatience, English speakers sometimes add do before the verb:
Do be quiet! / Do try to be on time.
Never + base verb
A strong negative command can use never instead of don't:
Never touch my things. / Never speak to me like that again.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't use the infinitive with to in commands.
❌ To sit down. ✅ Sit down.
Want to go back to the basics? Try Commands Exercise 1.
You've now practiced the imperative form in two different contexts. Here are some things that learners often find tricky about commands in English:
Commands with "let's"
To make a command that includes yourself, use Let's + base verb. This is an invitation, not just an instruction.
Let's go! / Let's take a break. / Let's not argue about this.
Softening a command
In English, a bare command can sometimes sound rude depending on tone and context. Adding please or using a question form makes it more polite:
Sit down. → Please sit down. → Could you sit down? → Would you mind sitting down?
The meaning is the same, but the level of formality and politeness changes significantly.
Emphatic commands
To add emphasis or show impatience, English speakers sometimes add do before the verb:
Do be quiet! / Do try to be on time.
Never + base verb
A strong negative command can use never instead of don't:
Never touch my things. / Never speak to me like that again.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't use the infinitive with to in commands.
❌ To sit down. ✅ Sit down.
Want to go back to the basics? Try Commands Exercise 1.
