Mood-imperative,definition,command,entreaty,request - Parts Of Speech-ESL/Learn English Grammar

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IMPERATIVE MOOD


[Sidenote: _Definition._]

231. The imperative mood is the form of the verb used in direct
commands, entreaties, or requests.


[Sidenote: _Usually second person._]

232. The imperative is naturally used mostly with the second
person, since commands are directed to a person addressed.

(1) _Command._

     _Call up_ the shades of Demosthenes and Cicero to vouch for your
     words; _point_ to their immortal works.--J.Q. ADAMS.

     _Honor_ all men; _love_ all men; _fear_ none.--CHANNING.

(2) _Entreaty._

     Oh, from these sterner aspects of thy face
     _Spare_ me and mine, nor _let_ us need the wrath
     Of the mad unchained elements.
     --BRYANT.

(3) _Request._

     "_Hush_! mother," whispered Kit. "_Come_ along with me."--DICKENS

     _Tell_ me, how was it you thought of coming here?--_Id._

[Sidenote: _Sometimes with_ first person _in the plural_.]

But the imperative may be used with the plural of the first person.
Since the first person plural person is not really I + I, but I + you,
or I + they, etc., we may use the imperative with _we_ in a command, request, etc., to _you_ implied in it. This is scarcely ever found outside of poetry.

     _Part we_ in friendship from your land,
     And, noble earl, receive my hand.
     --SCOTT.

     Then _seek we_ not their camp--for there
     The silence dwells of my despair.
     --CAMPBELL.

     _Break we_ our watch up.--SHAKESPEARE.

Usually this is expressed by _let_ with the objective:
"_Let_ us go."
And the same with the third person:
"_Let_ him be accursed."




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