What are Imperative Verbs?

Imperative verbs are used to give commands, orders, and instructions.  A person may use imperative verbs when giving instruction on how to build a snowman or make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Imperative verbs may also be used when a mother is telling her child to clean their room. 

Here are some examples of Imperative Verbs:
Place the head on top of the midsection. 
Pack the snow as tight as possible.
Roll the snow into a ball. 

How are Imperative Verbs made?
Taking the infinitve form of the verb, remove the word "to." This creates the command.  Below is an example:

To use  ---> (to) use ---> Use

Use a carrot for the pointy nose. 
Activity #1

Directions: Here are a few sentences from the instructional text "How to Build a Snowman." Choose each imperative verb as you find them in each sentence. 

1. Test the snow to see if you have 'packing snow', which clumps together easily and isn't too wet. The snow must pack to make a snowman. 

Answer: Test

2. Shape a handful of snow into a ball. Continue adding more snow and pack the ball until it's too large to hold. 

Answer: Shape
Answer: Continue
Answer: Pack

3. Place the ball on the snow in front of you and slowly roll it away from you. As more snow accumulates on the outside of your ball, pack the snow by pressing on it with your gloved hands. 

Answer: Place
Answer: Pack

4. Roll and pack the ball over and over until it is the size you want for the bottom of the snowman's body. 

Answer: Roll
Answer: Pack

5. Repeat for the midsection and head.  The bottom should be the biggest ball, and the top should be the smallest. 

Answer: Repeat


Title Page
 How to Build a Snowman Text
Reading Comprehension Questions
 Consciousness Raising Activity (Instructional Texts)
 Imperative Verb Activity
 Writing Activity
 Table of Contents Page