An Imperative Sentence is such a modification of a declarative sentence as is used to express a command or an entreaty.

Declarative sentences are changed into imperative sentences in one of the following ways :

(a) The subject is omitted.

You speak the truth. (Declarative sentence).

Speak the truth. (Imperative sentence).

(b) The subject is put after the copula.

Ye bear one another's burdens. (Declarative sentence). Bear ye one another's burdens. (Imperative sentence).

(Notice that, if a question mark were put after the last sentence, it would be an interrogative sentence).

Exercise 25

Classify the sentences. Change the interrogative and imperative sentences into the corresponding declarative sentences.

1. Who told the story?

2. He will go at once.

3. Have the children gone?

4. Whom were you talking to?

5. Forgive your enemies.

6. Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.

7. You ought to attend the lecture.

8. Are you coming soon?

9. Who brought the mail?

10. These are good plums.

11. Exercise daily.

12. When are you coming?

What is asserted of the subject of thought in Sentence 7? Such sentences must not be mistaken for imperative sentences.