Commands and Requests in English Grammar: A Complete Guide for Students
Select Your Practice Test- Choose Your Difficult Level
Easy – Class 6 & Class 7 – Intermediate – Class 7 & Class 8 & Class 9 – HARD – Class 10 , CLASS 11- 12
MCQ Test, Self Assessment
| Chapter | Test Type |
|---|---|
| Easy | |
| Intermediate | |
| Hard |
📄 Introduction
Commands and requests are imperative sentences used to tell someone what to do or ask them to do something. Understanding the difference between the two and how to form them correctly is important for polite and effective communication.
✉️ What Are Commands?
Commands are sentences used to give orders, instructions, or advice. They usually begin with the base form of a verb (without ‘to’) and often have an implied subject, usually “you.”
Examples:
- Open the window.
- Finish your homework before dinner.
- Please be quiet during the lecture.
Structure of Commands:
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Verb (base form) | Read the book carefully. |
| Negative | Do not + base verb | Do not touch that wire. |
| Polite | Please + verb | Please turn off the lights. |
😊 What Are Requests?
Requests are used to ask someone to do something politely. They are more indirect and often use modal verbs like can, could, will, would, or expressions like Do you mind… or Would you please…
Examples:
- Can you help me with this?
- Would you please explain the topic again?
- Could I borrow your notes?
Structure of Requests:
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Modal-Based | Can/Could/Will/Would + subject + verb | Could you help me with my project? |
| Indirect Request | Would you mind + verb-ing | Would you mind closing the window? |
| With “please” | Please + request | Please pass me the salt. |
⚖️ Difference Between Commands and Requests
| Feature | Commands | Requests |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Direct, authoritative | Polite, indirect |
| Structure | Base form of verb | Modals or polite expressions |
| Usage | Give instructions or orders | Ask someone to do something |
| Example | Submit your assignment. | Could you submit your assignment, please? |
💡 Tips for Using Commands and Requests
- Use polite expressions when talking to elders, teachers, or strangers.
- In formal writing, requests are preferred over direct commands.
- Adding “please” to a command makes it more polite.
🔢 Examples of Commands and Requests
Commands:
- Close the door.
- Do not enter the lab without permission.
- Please write your name at the top.
Requests:
- Could you help me with my homework?
- Would you mind sending me the file?
- Please share your textbook.
✍️ Practice Exercises
A. Identify if the sentence is a Command or Request
- Open your notebooks.
- Can you lend me a pen?
- Please turn off the fan.
- Do not run in the hallway.
Answers: 1. Command, 2. Request, 3. Request, 4. Command
B. Fill in the blanks with suitable command or request forms
- _______ (not use) your phone in class.
- _______ (help) me carry these books, please?
- _______ (submit) your forms before Monday.
- Would you _______ (like) to join us for lunch?
Answers: 1. Do not use, 2. Could you help, 3. Please submit, 4. like
📅 Commands and Requests in Reported Speech
| Direct Speech | Reported Speech |
|---|---|
| The teacher said, “Close the door.” | The teacher told us to close the door. |
| He said, “Don’t touch the machine.” | He warned us not to touch the machine. |
| She said, “Please email me the file.” | She requested me to email her the file. |
✨ Conclusion
Commands and requests are essential parts of everyday English. Learning to distinguish between the two, using the right structure and tone, helps students become better communicators in both formal and informal settings.
