Imperative and Interrogative Verbs

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs Lesson

Imperative and interrogative verbs help shape two of the most common sentence types we use every day: giving commands and asking questions. Understanding the difference between them strengthens both writing and communication skills. Imperative verbs tell someone what to do, while interrogative verbs guide us in forming clear, effective questions. In this lesson, students will learn how each type works, how to recognize them, and how they function in real sentences. Through notes, examples, and practice, they’ll build confidence using both forms correctly and purposefully.

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs: Lesson Notes

Rules

  • Imperative verbs give commands, instructions, or requests.

    • Example: Close the door.

    • The subject (“you”) is usually implied, not stated.

  • Imperative sentences often end with a period (.) or exclamation mark (!).

  • Interrogative verbs appear in questions.

    • Example: Did you close the door?

    • The sentence usually starts with a helping verb (do, does, did, can, will) or a question word (who, what, when, where, why, how).

  • Interrogative sentences always end with a question mark (?).


Practice Together: Identify the Verb Type

Directions: Identify whether the bolded verb is imperative or interrogative in each sentence.

  1. Please take your shoes off at the door.

  2. Did you finish your homework?

  3. Tell me about your day.

  4. When will we arrive at the museum?

  5. Stop talking during the movie.

  6. Can you lend me a pencil?

  7. Bring your notebook tomorrow.

  8. Why did they leave so early?


Answer Key (for Practice Together)

  1. Imperative

  2. Interrogative

  3. Imperative

  4. Interrogative

  5. Imperative

  6. Interrogative

  7. Imperative

  8. Interrogative


Imperative and interrogative Verbs Quiz


Student Quiz

Answer Key

Conclusion

Mastering imperative and interrogative verbs helps students communicate with clarity, confidence, and precision. Whether giving instructions, making requests, or asking thoughtful questions, these verbs shape how meaning is expressed. By recognizing how each type functions, students can better understand tone, sentence structure, and the purpose behind what they read and write. With continued practice, using imperative and interrogative verbs will feel natural, supporting stronger grammar skills and more effective everyday communication.

Back to the Grammar Lessons

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