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Activities: “How to give commands in English?”

By: Anna Classing

Activity 1: Assemble the command!

For each set of words below, form both a positive imperative and a negative imperative using don't ending in an exclamation point.

Example (positive): Clean the floor!
Example (negative): Don't clean the floor!
  1. me + give + the salt

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  2. the window + open

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  3. take out + the trash

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  4. the mail + get

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  5. throw + the ball

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  6. the oven + turn on

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  7. your coat + on the chair + put

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  8. pay + the bill

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  9. the dog + feed

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  10. notes + take

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  11. wash + the children’s laundry

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  12. your homework + finish

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

  13. be + quiet

    • positive imperative:

    • negative imperative:

Activity 2: Polite Commands

Make the commands more polite using the indicated strategy:
  1. Add the word please:

    1. Close the door.

    2. Give me the book.

    3. Take out the garbage.

    4. Turn on the lamp.

  2. Use the auxiliary do:

    1. Feed the cat.

    2. Start the movie.

    3. Email me the report on Monday.

  3. Form a request using can:

    1. Move your car!

    2. Print that page.

    3. Hang the keys by the door.

  4. Form a request using would and please:

    1. Clean the living room.

    2. Put the laundry in the dryer.

    3. Set the table for dinner.