Collins Cobuild English Grammar (105 page)

You can also form a negative imperative by putting
never
in front of the base form of a verb.

Never make
a social phone call after 9.30 p.m.

Another way of giving advice or a warning is to use one of the modals
should
or
ought to
in a declarative sentence.

You
should get
to know him better.
You
shouldn’t keep
eggs in the refrigerator.

This use is explained in detail in paragraph
5.213
.

appeals

5.37
    You use the imperative when you are trying to get someone to do something.

Come
quickly…
Come
quickly…
Hurry
!

You can make an appeal more forceful by putting
do
in front of the verb.

Oh
do stop
whining!
Do come
and stay with us in Barbados for the winter.

explanations

5.38
    You can use the imperative with some verbs when you are explaining something and you want the listener or reader to think about a particular thing or possibility, or to compare two things.

Take
, for instance, the new proposals for student loans.
Imagine
, for example, an assembly line worker in a factory making children’s blocks.
But
suppose
for a moment that the automobile industry had developed at the same rate as computers.
For example,
compare
a typical poor country like Indonesia with a rich one like Canada.
Consider
, for example, the contrast between the way schools today treat space and time.

Here is a list of verbs that are used in this way:

compare

consider

contrast

imagine

look at

note

picture

suppose

take

let

5.39
    
Let
is used in imperative sentences in four different ways:

it is used to give an order or instruction

Let
Phillip have a look at it.

you use it followed by
us
when you are making a suggestion about what you and someone else should do.
Let us
is almost always shortened to
Let’s

Let’s
go outside.
Let’s
creep forward on hands and knees.

you use it followed by
me
when you are offering to do something

Let me
take your coat.

in very formal English, it is used to express a wish.

Let
the joy be universal.
Let
confusion live!
Let
the best man or woman win.

To make a negative suggestion you use
Let’s not
or, in informal American English,
Let’s don’t
.

Let’s not
stay till the end.
Let’s don’t
ask about the missing books. (Am, informal)

Other uses of the declarative, the interrogative, and the imperative

confirming

5.40
    You can confirm that something is true by asking a question using the
declarative
form.

So you admit something is wrong?
Then you think we can keep it?

When you ask a question using the declarative form, you expect a
yes
-type answer, unless you use a negative construction, in which case you expect the answer
no
.

‘You mean it’s still here?’ – ‘Of course.’
‘Your parents don’t mind you being out so late?’ – ‘No, they don’t’.

Questions expressed in the declarative form often begin with a conjunction.

So
you’re satisfied?
And
you think that’s a good idea?

instructing

5.41
    In informal spoken English, you can give an instruction by using a declarative sentence with
you
as the subject.

You put the month and the temperature on the top line.
You take the bus up to the landing stage at twelve-thirty.
You just put it straight in the oven.

offers and invitations

5.42
    When you are making an offer or an invitation, you usually use a
yes/no
-question beginning with a modal such as
can
or
would
. This use is explained in detail in paragraphs
5.171
to
5.176
.

Can
I help you?
Can
I give you a lift?
Would
you like me to get something for you?
Would
you like some coffee?
Would
you like to go to Ernie’s for dinner?

You can also make an offer or invitation in a more informal way by using the
imperative
form. Note that you can only do this when it is clear that you are not giving an order.

Have
a cigar.
Come
to my place.
Come
in, Mrs Kintner.

You add emphasis by putting
do
in front of the verb.

Do have
a chocolate biscuit.
Do help
yourselves.

requests, orders, and instructions

5.43
    When you are making a request, you usually use a
yes/no
-question beginning with one of the modals
could
,
can
, or
would
.

Could
I ask you a few questions?
Can
I have my hat back, please?
Would
you mind having a word with my husband?

You can also give an order or instruction using a
yes/no
-question beginning with a modal.

Will
you tell Watson I shall be in a little late?

These uses are explained in detail in paragraphs
5.154
to
5.164
.

questions that do not expect an answer

5.44
    When you use a
yes/no
-question to offer help or to make a request, you still expect the answer
yes
or
no
. However, people sometimes say things that seem like
yes/no
-questions, although they do not expect an answer at all. They are using the
yes/no
-question form to express a strong feeling, opinion, or impression.

For example, instead of saying
That’s an ugly building
, someone might say
Isn’t that an ugly building
? Or instead of saying
You never seem to get upset
, someone might say
Don’t you ever get upset
?

Questions like these are called
rhetorical questions
.

Is there nothing she won’t do?
Can’t you see that I’m busy?
Hasn’t anyone round here got any sense?
Does nothing ever worry you?