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Imperative Sentences (Active & Passive)

Introduction

Imperative sentences are commands, requests, or instructions. When we convert them into passive voice, the tone becomes more polite or formal. This pattern is important for transforming direct orders into softer, more official expressions.

Understanding this structure helps in both writing formal communication and answering grammar-based questions in exams.

Pattern: Imperative Sentences (Active & Passive)

Pattern

Imperative sentences in passive form begin with “Let + object + be + past participle (V₃)”.

Formula:
Active: Verb + Object
Passive: Let + Object + be + V3

If the sentence expresses a request, we can also use:
You are requested to + V1 or You are advised to + V1 for polite tone.

Step-by-Step Example

Question

Convert into passive voice:
Close the door.

Options:
A. The door is closed.
B. Let the door be closed.
C. The door must be closed.
D. You are requested to close the door.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify type of sentence.

    “Close the door” is a command or order.

  2. Step 2: Recognize the imperative structure.

    It begins directly with a verb (no subject).

  3. Step 3: Apply the passive rule for commands.

    Use Let + object + be + V₃ → Let the door be closed.

  4. Step 4: Check tone.

    This gives a formal, polite tone while keeping meaning intact.

  5. Final Answer:

    Let the door be closed. → Option B.

  6. Quick Check:

    “Close the door” (Active) → “Let the door be closed” (Passive). ✅

Quick Variations

Imperative Sentences: Active to Passive Forms
TypeActive VoicePassive VoiceUsage
CommandShut the window.Let the window be shut.Formal tone for orders.
RequestPlease help me.You are requested to help me.Used in polite communication.
AdviceFollow the rules.You are advised to follow the rules.Used in guidelines or instructions.
ProhibitionDo not touch the wire.Let the wire not be touched.Used for warnings or restrictions.
SuggestionRead the notice carefully.Let the notice be read carefully.Used for directions or information.

Trick to Always Use

  • Step 1: Identify if the sentence is a command, request, or advice.
  • Step 2: For commands, use Let + object + be + V₃.
  • Step 3: For requests, use You are requested to + V₁.
  • Step 4: For advice, use You are advised to + V₁.
  • Step 5: Maintain tone - formal or polite as needed.

Summary

Summary

  • Imperative sentences express commands, requests, or advice.
  • Use Let + object + be + V₃ for general imperatives.
  • Use You are requested/advised to + V₁ for polite forms.
  • Passive voice softens direct orders and adds professionalism.

Practice

(1/5)
1. Convert into passive voice:<br>Open the window.
easy
A. Let the window be opened.
B. The window is opened.
C. The window should be opened.
D. You are requested to open the window.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the sentence type.

    It is a command (imperative sentence).

  2. Step 2: Use passive voice rule for imperatives.

    Formula → Let + object + be + V₃.

  3. Step 3: Apply it.

    ‘Open the window’ → Let the window be opened.

  4. Step 4: No agent is needed here.

  5. Final Answer:

    Let the window be opened. → Option A.

  6. Quick Check:

    Command tone → “Let + be + V₃” correct structure. ✅
Hint: Imperative passive → Let + object + be + V₃.
Common Mistakes: Using ‘is opened’ instead of ‘let be opened’.
2. Change into passive voice:<br>Help the poor.
easy
A. Let the poor be helped.
B. The poor are helped.
C. You are requested to help the poor.
D. The poor must be helped.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the sentence type.

    It’s a command.

  2. Step 2: Apply imperative passive formula.

    Let + object + be + V₃ → Let the poor be helped.

  3. Step 3: Agent is not necessary.

  4. Final Answer:

    Let the poor be helped. → Option A.

  5. Quick Check:

    “Help the poor” → “Let the poor be helped.” ✅
Hint: Commands → Let + object + be + V₃.
Common Mistakes: Adding an unnecessary ‘by you’.
3. Select the correct passive form:<br>Please keep quiet.
easy
A. Let quiet be kept.
B. You are requested to keep quiet.
C. Quiet should be kept.
D. Let the quiet be kept.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Recognize sentence type.

    Begins with ‘Please’ → indicates a request.

  2. Step 2: Use polite passive form.

    Formula → You are requested to + V₁.

  3. Step 3: Apply it.

    ‘Please keep quiet’ → You are requested to keep quiet.

  4. Final Answer:

    You are requested to keep quiet. → Option B.

  5. Quick Check:

    Request tone → “You are requested to...” correct form. ✅
Hint: Requests → You are requested to + base verb.
Common Mistakes: Using ‘let’ instead of polite request form.
4. Convert into passive voice:<br>Follow the instructions carefully.
medium
A. The instructions are followed carefully.
B. The instructions will be followed carefully.
C. Let the instructions be followed carefully.
D. You are advised to follow the instructions carefully.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify type.

    Command/instruction form.

  2. Step 2: Use imperative passive formula.

    Let + object + be + V₃ → Let the instructions be followed carefully.

  3. Step 3: Keep adverb same.

    → carefully.

  4. Final Answer:

    Let the instructions be followed carefully. → Option C.

  5. Quick Check:

    “Follow the instructions” → “Let the instructions be followed.” ✅
Hint: Commands → Let + object + be + V₃.
Common Mistakes: Using ‘are followed’ instead of ‘let be followed’.
5. Find the correct passive form:<br>Do not touch the wire.
medium
A. The wire must not be touched.
B. Do not let the wire be touched.
C. The wire is not touched.
D. Let the wire not be touched.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify type.

    Negative command (prohibition).

  2. Step 2: Apply negative imperative passive rule.

    Formula → Let + object + not + be + V₃.

  3. Step 3: Apply it.

    ‘Do not touch the wire’ → Let the wire not be touched.

  4. Final Answer:

    Let the wire not be touched. → Option D.

  5. Quick Check:

    Negative ‘not’ placed before ‘be’. ✅
Hint: Negative imperatives → Let + object + not + be + V₃.
Common Mistakes: Placing ‘not’ after ‘be’.

Mock Test

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