Ch 2 · Lesson 15English · Chapter 2 · Lesson 15 · Grammar primer
Please, let's and signs: more imperatives
Please makes an order polite, and Could you...? makes it softer. Let's is an idea for you and me. Signs and recipes use the bare verb.
The short version
Please makes an order polite
, ?
Why?Hide
A bare imperative like Wait. can sound like an order. Add please at the start or the end, or ask with Could you...? to make it softer. Signs, recipes and directions use the bare verb with no please, because they are not orders from a person.
Please makes it polite
A bare imperative can sound strong, like an order. Please makes it softer. It can go at the start or the end:
.(polite), .(also polite)
- Wait.
- Please wait.
- Could you wait, please?
How you say it matters too. Sit down with a smile is friendly. Sit down! in a loud voice is an order.
| Strong | Softer |
|---|---|
. | , ? |
. | , ? |
With friends and family, a short imperative is normal: Pass the salt. (at dinner, no problem). With people you do not know, add please or ask with Could you...?
Let's: an idea for you and me
Let's is short for let us. It means "I have an idea for us": you and the speaker together.
| Let's + base verb | What it says |
|---|---|
. | . ? |
. | |
Ana. | Ana |
For a negative, say let's not:
.(we do not wait).(we stay at home)
Don't let's also exists in informal British English, but it is rare and a little old-fashioned. A short answer to Let's go! is Yes, let's! or Okay!
Where you hear it: instructions, signs and directions
The imperative is short and clear, so it is perfect for instructions.
| Place | Example |
|---|---|
| recipe | Cut the onion. Add the salt. |
| Push. Pull. Keep left. | |
| Turn left. Go straight on. | |
| Open your books. Listen. | |
| app | Click here. Enter your name. |
These are not rude. A recipe or a sign is not an order from a person, so it usually has no please: Push. (on a door: push it to open).
Common mistakes
| Wrong | Right | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Not touch! | Don't touch! | . |
| Don't to go. | Don't go. | . |
| Doesn't run! | Don't run! | . |
| Let's to go. | Let's go. | . |
| Sits down. | Sit down. | -s. |
| You sit down. | Sit down, please. | . |
The last one needs care. You sit down is possible English, and kind in an offer: You sit down, I'll make the tea. But as a bare order it can sound angry, like You, sit down now! Leave out you and add please.
Going further: The base verb, nothing else and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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Lesson 15 of 37 in this chapter