1.Imperative Verbs for Giving Directions, Warning or Caution - Example Sentence
Part A
What are some examples of Imperative Verbs?
Imperative Verbs List for giving street directions:
e.g.
-walk
-make
-go
-turn
-cross
-take
-get off (phrasal verb),
-look out (phrasal verb) etc.
Vocabulary Check!
* Direction - Meaning:
i. Instructions to give someone to find a place, location.
ii. Order, information to tell someone what or how to do something.
2. How to form the Imperative form (Negative) - Example Sentence
1. Do not / Don't + (Verb)
2. Never + (Verb)
e.g. Do not / Don't / Never touch the body of the kettle as it's still hot.
c. Imperative with "let"
e.g. Let the kettle cool down before cleaning.
Check it Out!
d. Imperative with "always"
e.g. Always use a soft, damp cloth to clean the surface of the kettle.
2. How to Use Imperative Verbs for Directions to a place or location:
Imperative Directions Examples:
1. Walk straight ahead about 20 minutes till you reach the traffic junction.
2. Make a right turn.
3. Go past some shops.
4. Turn left and keep walking.
5. Do not cross the bridge. You'll see a bus stop by lamp post.
6. Take bus No:11 & get off at the next bus stop.
7. Look out for the big, red, metal mailbox at the side of the road. The guesthouse is on the left.
3. Imperatives for giving directions, warning & caution
a) How to order or give information for someone to do something
e.g. Tell someone how to boil water with an electric kettle.
Example Sentence
1. Open lid and fill with water.
2. Close the lid.
3. Turn on the switch to start boiling.
4. Once it's boiled, turn off the switch.
5. Pour, serve and enjoy.
- Imperative Verbs List for giving an order or information:
e.g.
- open
- fill
- turn on/off
- pour
- serve
- enjoy
Part B
1. How to make the Imperative form: Positive & Negative Sentences
a. (Positive) - Example Sentence
Imperative form > Verb (basic form)
e.g. An appliance manual
1. Read this safety leaflet before you use the appliance.
2. Save the *manual for future **reference.
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
*manual (noun) = a book that gives you instructions on how to do something or how to use a product
- e.g. a manual on how to use a household appliance
**reference (noun) = to look at the information again in the future
- e.g. your grammar course book can kept as a future reference
2. Imperative for Giving Directions - How to Do / Not Do Something
- Directions For Use - *Toiletries
*Toiletries Example
- Facial Wash
- Liquid Body Soap / Wash
- Hair Shampoo
- Mouth Wash
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
*toiletries = items you use to keep yourself clean
a. Imperatives for Giving Directions for Use - Example Sentence
- Facial Care Products
i. Facial Foam Cleanser:
1. Wet your hands and face.
2. Take (about 2 cm) on your palm and lather well with cold or lukewarm water and wash.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
ii. Facial Toner:
1. Take an appropriate amount on the palm of hand.
2. Gently pat onto cleansed skin.
iii. Moisturiser:
1. Take an appropriate amount on the palm of hand.
2. Apply onto entire face.
- Imperative Verb List for giving directions to use:
e.g. facial care products:
- wet
- take
- rinse
- pat
- apply
- Bodycare Products
iv. Liquid Body Soap:
1. Dispense desired amount onto the palms or a sponge.
2. Work into a lather onto wet skin.
3. Rinse it off.
For best results,
- Use daily to keep skin clean and moisturised.
v. Liquid Body Wash:
1. Pump 1-2 times onto palms or a sponge.
2. Work into a rich lather onto wet skin.
3. Rinse off thoroughly.
vi. Hair Shampoo:
1. Wet scalp and hair thoroughly.
2. Apply shampoo evenly into hair and massage into a rich lather.
3. Rinse it off.
vii. Mouth wash:
1. Rinse throughly for 20 seconds with 20ml.
2. Expel.
3. Do not swallow.
4. Do not use for children under 6 years.
viii. Hand Cream:
1. Apply a small amount of cream to hands.
2. Gently massage into skin.
x. Medicated Ointment:
1. Apply a thin layer on affected area.
2. Use 1-2 times daily.
3. Do not refrigerate.
4. Store below 25 degrees C.
- Imperative Verb List for giving directions to use:
e.g. Body Care Products
- dispense
- work
- rinse
- use
- pump
- wet
- apply
- expel
- swallow
- use
- massage
- refrigerate
- store
b. Imperative for Giving Caution for Use - Example Sentence
- Shampoo
1. Keep out of reach of children.
2. Do not use if you have your scalp is red, inflamed or painful.
3. Discontinue use immediately if you experience redness, swelling or itchiness and consult a doctor.
4. Avoid contact with eyes.
5. Store this product in a cool and dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Medicated *Ointment
1. Avoid the eye area.
2. Do not use on infected skin.
3. If condition persists, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
*ointment (noun) = a thick medicated substance we use to apply on the skin to relieve pain or for injury
- Plastic Bag Use - Warning
1. Keep this plastic bag away from babies and children.
2. Do not place this bag in cribs, beds or playpens.
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
*Caution (noun) = take extra care/attention
**Warning (noun) = possible danger/problem
c. Imperative Verbs - Give Caution or Warning
i. e.g. Household Appliance - Electric Kettle
Example Sentence (positive)
- Always follow the instructions and use the appliance properly to avoid potential injury.
- Be careful when the kettle contains hot water.
- Be careful of hot steam when you open the lid after the water has boiled.
Example Sentence (negative)
- Never fill the kettle beyond the maximum level indicator.
- Do not touch kettle during use.
- Don't open the lid while water is heating up or boiling.
ii. Giving a Caution
Example Sentence - (positive)
- Always place the kettle on a dry, flat and stable surface.
Example Sentence - (negative)
- Stop use immediately if kettle is cracked or broken.
- Do not clean the appliance while it's hot.
- Do not use kettle to heat up soup or other liquids / foods.
Part C
Let's Recap!
- Imperatives for directions, warning, caution.
i. Directions - How to turn on / off your iPhone
- Turn on
1. Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
- Turn off
1. Press and hold both the side button and either volume button until sliders appear.
2. *Then, drag the Power Off slider.
Check it out!
Use Adverbs of Sequence: first, then, next with the Imperative Form
ii. Street Signs
Children Zone:
- Slow down.
- Beware of children crossing.
- Do not *speed.
Vocabulary Check!
i. speed (noun)
e.g. The car left at a high speed.
ii. speed (verb) e.g. The driver was speeding.
iii. Imperative Sentences Giving Street Directions - Example Dialogue
Stella is giving directions to her friend on the phone...
Tim : Hi Stella. I'm at the station now. How do I get to your place from here?
Stella: First, take Exit B, Chinatown Complex. Follow the directions till you see Smith Street.
A few minutes later...
Tim: Ok, I'm on Smith Street now, just next to the Buddhist temple.
Stella: Now, make a left turn. You'll see a cafe.
Tim: Oh, is it called Toast Box?
Stella: Yep. Now, go past a few shops till you reach McDonald's. Turn right till you reach the lift lobby.
Tim: Hang on. Let me see... Oh yeah, I'm at the lobby now.
Stella: Take Lift B up to the 3rd floor.
Tim: Sure. I'm on my way.
Stella: Go straight ahead. Follow the ramp till the end.
Tim: Ok, got it.
Stella : Take the stairs down. Turn right. I'll be waiting for you at the gate.
iv. How to Use Fragrance Spray - Body
Fragrance / Spray
- Spray fragrance on the inside of your wrists, neck or pulse points.
- Wear it alone or layer with your favourite bath or beauty products.
- Spray into the air & walk through it to scent your hair and clothes
v. How to Use Face Mist.
1. Shake bottle well.
2. Close eyes and gently mist face and neck.
vi. Room Fragrance - How to Use Diffuser
- Place the reeds into the oil
- Allow 24-36 hours for the fragrance to diffuse
- Use all reeds at once for optimal diffusion.
v. Room Spray - Directions for Use
- Hold the can about 15-20cm from the surface area and spray.
vi. As Disinfectant Spray
- Spray sparingly to disinfect and deodorise.
- Repeat 2-4 hours if necessary.
vii. As Air Freshener:
- Spray sparingly into the air to refresh.
Caution
Avoid contact with eyes.
Store in a cool place.
b. Your Practice
It's your turn!
(Use the Imperative for directions sentence examples to guide you.)
i. Practise using the imperatives to give directions:
1. to your house / office
2. to the best cafe in your neighbourhood
3. how to / how not to use your washing machine
any other appliances you have etc.
ii. (Remember to go through the verb list to help you review. Use imperatives for directions to communicate better in English.)
1. You can write down the directions or say them out loud for your own practice. 2. You may want to include giving warning or caution as well.
Check out our other Imperative Form posts:
>3 Ways to Use English Imperative Form Giving Instructions, Advice, Directions
>Imperative Verbs for Baking: Recipe Baked Apple Crisp
>Imperative Verb + Infinitive 'to' - Advice, Instructions & Suggestions
Thanks so much for reading & Happy Speaking.
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