DictionaryimperativeCommands in grammar
adjective / noun

imperative

A grammatical form used to give commands or make requests.

The sentence uses the imperative to give a command.

Etymology

The Latin verb means to command. Grammar uses imperative for forms that direct another person’s action, including commands and the requests expressed through those forms.

More examples

  • She identified an imperative verb form.
  • The lesson compares imperatives with questions.
  • An imperative can also make a polite request.

Forms

imperative · imperatives

Similar words

command
Command is the communicative act rather than the grammatical form.
directive
Directive includes requests and instructions expressed in other forms.