Unit 6.1

Emphatic Imperative

Verb Phrase

Introduction

Imperative clauses are used when people tell someone else to do something (an advice, a suggestion, a request, a command…).

Emphatic imperatives are mostly used for polite requests.
{See Present and Past Emphatic Tenses, B1 level}

Form

We can make emphatic imperatives using do + infinitive.

NOTE: Sometimes we add the pronoun you to imperatives for more emphasis.

Example

All people please do stay still.
Passengers do put your seatbelts slowly.
You are going fast please do slow.
If you are a member of this group do step forward.
When is your turn to play again, do hit the target and not me.

Use

We usually use emphatic imperative in polite requests, complaints and apologies.

When we use he pronoun you to imperatives,we emphasize or show the receiver of the imperative.

Summary

Emphatic imperative is the imperative form that is mostly used for polite requests. It is also used for complaints and apologies.

{See Present and Past Emphatic Tenses, B1 level}

We form the emphatic imperative by using do and the verb in the infinitive form.

For example:
— “All the students of 6th grade, please do stand in line.” = Emphatic imperative do stand used for a polite request.
— “Sir, do sit down please. You are blocking the view.” = Emphatic imperative do sit used for a complaint.

NOTE: Sometimes we add the pronoun you to imperatives, to emphasize or to show the receiver of the imperative.

For example:
— “You sir, do sit down please.You are blocking the view.”

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.

License