Grade 5 English Imperatives – Use Of Double Imperatives Notes
English — Imperatives
Subtopic: Use of Double Imperatives
A double imperative is when we give two short commands together in one sentence. We often join them with and, with a comma, or with or. These are useful in class, at home and around the farm.
Why use double imperatives?
- To tell someone to do two things: "Wash and dry the plates."
- To give clear steps: "Come and sit."
- To warn or stop two actions: "Don't shout or run."
How to form double imperatives
- Use the base verb (bare infinitive) for each command: "Bring (verb), cut (verb)".
- Join the verbs with and for two actions you want done: "Bring and put the books on the table."
- Use or to warn against two actions: "Don't push or shove."
- For emphasis, we can use do before an imperative: "Do sit down."
Common forms and examples
- Action + and + action — "Stand up and line up quietly." 🧑🏫
- Comma + action — "Go, wash, and come back." 🧼
- Don't + verb + or + verb — "Don't shout or run in class." 🚫🏃
- Do + verb (for politeness or strong instruction) — "Do be careful on the stairs."
- Repeat for urgency — "Hurry, hurry!" (two imperatives of the same verb)
Classroom examples (Kenyan contexts)
- "Bring your exercise book and open to page ten." 📖
- "Stand straight and sing the national anthem." 🇰🇪
- "Close the gate and wash your hands." 🚪🧼
Practice — Choose the correct double imperative
- _________ the room (clean) and _________ the window (open).
- Don't ________ (shout) or ________ (push) in the corridor.
- ________ (do) sit down, please. (use for polite emphasis)
Answers (click to view)
1) Clean the room and open the window.
2) Don't shout or push in the corridor.
3) Do sit down, please.
2) Don't shout or push in the corridor.
3) Do sit down, please.
Quick tips for learners
- Use and when you want two actions done one after the other.
- Use or with a negative to stop two things from happening.
- Use do + verb to make a command stronger or more polite. ("Do come in.")
- Keep commands short and clear — children find them easier to follow.
Happy learning! 🎒✍️