Don’t run! Rules and imperatives
We use an imperative to tell someone what to do. We use the plain verb: Stand up! Help me, please. Open your book. For a rule that says no, we use Don’t before the verb: Don’t run. Don’t shout. Don’t be late tomorrow. In a library we are quiet and kind. We put books back, and we keep the place clean: Put litter in the bin. Don’t drop litter on the floor. When we cross a road, we look both ways first.
| Do (positive) | Don’t (negative) |
|---|---|
| Be quiet. | Don’t shout. |
| Walk slowly. | Don’t run. |
| Put litter in the bin. | Don’t drop litter. |
| Look both ways. | Don’t cross the road without looking. |
Good morning, Karim. Please be quiet in here.
Yes. Can I borrow this book?
Yes. Don’t forget to bring it back on Sunday.
I won’t. I will walk, not run!
Our class rules. Listen to your teacher. Put up your hand to speak. Be kind to your friends. Don’t shout in class. Don’t be late. Put litter in the bin. Keep our room clean.
Teacher says. The grown-up gives an order with Please, for example: Please stand up. The child does it. If the order starts with Don’t, the child must not move! Then the child gives the orders: Clap your hands. Don’t sit down.