English Chit Chat. Commands and Instructions Video

Here is my latest video on commands and instruction, also known as imperatives.

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Here's the script of the video:

Let’s start with commands. We use commands when we want to tell someone to do something.

For example: open the window.

If we add ‘please’ at the end then this becomes a polite request. Open the window, please.

However, when you want someone to do something, it is better to form the request as a question, and not to use an imperative.

Such as: Can you turn the volume down, please?

We also use imperatives when giving instructions on how to do something. We do not need to use polite language when giving instructions, because we are helping the other person rather than asking for something.

For example, here are instructions on how to bake a cake: first measure the ingredients, then mix the ingredients…

You would also use imperatives when giving directions on how to get somewhere. For example: go straight for two blocks, turn right onto Fifth Avenue.