Commands vs. Requests Quiz

1. What must you add to the sentence 'Tell me the whole story' to turn it into a polite request? (Select all that apply)

A question mark.

The word 'Please.'

A modal verb (e.g., 'Could').

The subject 'I'.

Both 'Shut the door quietly' and 'Do not talk during the movie' (a negative command) are in the imperative mood, commanding the listener (understood 'you') to perform or refrain from an action.

Explanation

Both 'Shut the door quietly' and 'Do not talk during the movie' (a negative command) are in the imperative mood, commanding the listener (understood 'you') to perform or refrain from an action.

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2. Rewrite this direct command to be a more polite request using 'Can': ‘Wash the dishes.’

A negative imperative is formed by placing 'Do not' or 'Don't' before the base form of the verb, omitting the subject 'you' and auxiliary verbs.

Explanation

A negative imperative is formed by placing 'Do not' or 'Don't' before the base form of the verb, omitting the subject 'you' and auxiliary verbs.

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3. Which of these is a polite request phrased in the interrogative mood?

I want you to close that book.

Close that book immediately!

Will you close that book for me?

You are closing that book.

Sentences that begin directly with the base form of a verb and whose subject ('you') is implied are the defining feature of the imperative mood.

Explanation

Sentences that begin directly with the base form of a verb and whose subject ('you') is implied are the defining feature of the imperative mood.

4. A sentence that starts with 'Do not' (e.g., 'Do not touch that!') is considered a command, even though it is a negative instruction.

True

False

This is false. The sentence is asking a question and is therefore in the interrogative mood, not the imperative mood which gives commands.

Explanation

This is false. The sentence is asking a question and is therefore in the interrogative mood, not the imperative mood which gives commands.

5. In the sentence 'May I use your pencil?', the use of the word 'May' indicates that the sentence is: (Select all that apply)

A direct order.

A question about permission.

A polite request.

A strong imperative.

To change this into the imperative mood, the subject 'She' is dropped, and the sentence begins with the base form of the verb 'to be' ('Be'). Both A and D are valid imperative commands based on the original idea.

Explanation

To change this into the imperative mood, the subject 'She' is dropped, and the sentence begins with the base form of the verb 'to be' ('Be'). Both A and D are valid imperative commands based on the original idea.

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6. What word could you add to the end of the sentence 'Listen carefully' to make it a milder request?

The base verb 'Fasten' is the action required, and placing it at the start with the understood subject 'you' creates a strong, direct command.

Explanation

The base verb 'Fasten' is the action required, and placing it at the start with the understood subject 'you' creates a strong, direct command.

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7. Is the following sentence a command or a request: 'Could you help me with this math problem?'

Command

Request

Statement

Exclamation

The imperative mood is used to give a direct command, request, or instruction. In this sentence, 'Go to the store right now' is a direct command where the subject 'you' is understood.

Explanation

The imperative mood is used to give a direct command, request, or instruction. In this sentence, 'Go to the store right now' is a direct command where the subject 'you' is understood.

8. A sentence in the imperative mood that begins with a verb (e.g., "Stop") is always a direct command and cannot be considered a polite request.

True

False

This is false. The subject of an imperative sentence is almost always the understood (or implied) word 'you', because the command is directed at the listener or reader.

Explanation

This is false. The subject of an imperative sentence is almost always the understood (or implied) word 'you', because the command is directed at the listener or reader.

9. Which sentences function as polite requests? (Select all that apply)

Turn off the lights.

Please hold the door open for me.

Would you mind sharing your notes?

You should finish your work now.

The imperative mood is used for commands or requests. 'Please take out the trash immediately' is a polite request, and 'Be careful when crossing the busy street' is a warning or instruction. Both sentences imply the subject 'you'.

Explanation

The imperative mood is used for commands or requests. 'Please take out the trash immediately' is a polite request, and 'Be careful when crossing the busy street' is a warning or instruction. Both sentences imply the subject 'you'.

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10. Turn this command into a request by adding a single word: ‘_______ give me the book.’

The imperative mood requires a base verb to begin the sentence, giving a direct order or instruction. 'Finish' acts as the base verb for the command directed at the understood subject 'you'.

Explanation

The imperative mood requires a base verb to begin the sentence, giving a direct order or instruction. 'Finish' acts as the base verb for the command directed at the understood subject 'you'.

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11. Which of the following sentences is the most direct command?

Will you pass the salt?

Please pass the salt.

Pass the salt.

Could you pass the salt?

The primary function of the imperative mood is to issue commands, instructions, directions, or polite requests to the listener or reader.

Explanation

The primary function of the imperative mood is to issue commands, instructions, directions, or polite requests to the listener or reader.

12. The subject 'you' is always stated clearly in a direct command.

True

False

This is false. An imperative sentence can end with a period (for a mild command or polite request, e.g., 'Pass the salt.') or an exclamation point (for a strong command, e.g., 'Stop!')

Explanation

This is false. An imperative sentence can end with a period (for a mild command or polite request, e.g., 'Pass the salt.') or an exclamation point (for a strong command, e.g., 'Stop!')

13. Which features typically characterize a polite request? (Select all that apply)

Starts directly with a base verb.

Uses modal verbs like 'Could,' 'Would,' or 'Can.'

Includes the word 'Please.'

Ends with an exclamation point.

Both 'Stir the mixture for five minutes' and 'Close the door tightly, please' are direct instructions/requests where the subject 'you' is understood, making them imperative.

Explanation

Both 'Stir the mixture for five minutes' and 'Close the door tightly, please' are direct instructions/requests where the subject 'you' is understood, making them imperative.

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14. Turn the command ‘Close the window!’ into a less direct request by beginning it with a suitable modal verb: ‘_______ you close the window?’

To change a declarative sentence into the imperative mood, you remove the explicit subject and auxiliary verbs ('You should') and start the sentence directly with the base form of the main verb ('Bring').

Explanation

To change a declarative sentence into the imperative mood, you remove the explicit subject and auxiliary verbs ('You should') and start the sentence directly with the base form of the main verb ('Bring').

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15. How does the word 'Please' change the sentence 'Sign this paper'?

It makes the command stronger.

It clarifies the subject.

It changes the command into a polite request.

It changes the sentence into a statement.

A polite request in the imperative mood still has the understood subject 'you' and starts with the base verb ('Move'). Option A is interrogative, and B is indicative.

Explanation

A polite request in the imperative mood still has the understood subject 'you' and starts with the base verb ('Move'). Option A is interrogative, and B is indicative.

16. A sentence that begins with a modal verb (e.g., 'Can') is always a command.

True

False

This statement is true. Giving directions is a common function of the imperative mood, as directions are a series of commands or instructions (e.g., 'Turn left,' 'Walk three blocks,') directed at the listener.

Explanation

This statement is true. Giving directions is a common function of the imperative mood, as directions are a series of commands or instructions (e.g., 'Turn left,' 'Walk three blocks,') directed at the listener.

17. Which of the following sentences function as direct commands? (Select all that apply)

Do your chores immediately.

Wait for me at the corner.

May I borrow your pen?

Would you get me some water?

The indicative mood is used to state facts or express opinions. 'The rain started...' and 'We left the package...' are simple factual statements. Options B and D are commands (imperative).

Explanation

The indicative mood is used to state facts or express opinions. 'The rain started...' and 'We left the package...' are simple factual statements. Options B and D are commands (imperative).

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18. Complete the request: ‘_______ you open the door, please?’

An imperative warning starts with an active verb directed at the listener. 'Look' is the base verb used to command attention.

Explanation

An imperative warning starts with an active verb directed at the listener. 'Look' is the base verb used to command attention.

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19. The difference between a command and a request is primarily related to:

The length of the sentence.

The tone and implied formality.

Whether the subject is 'I' or 'You'.

The verb tense used.

The key grammatical characteristic of the imperative mood is the understood subject 'you' performing the action of the base verb (remember), making it a command or request.

Explanation

The key grammatical characteristic of the imperative mood is the understood subject 'you' performing the action of the base verb (remember), making it a command or request.

20. Hand me the tool' and 'I need the tool' both function as commands.

True

False

This is false. The verb in an imperative sentence must always be in the base form (present tense, singular/unconjugated), even though the action is intended to happen immediately or in the future.

Explanation

This is false. The verb in an imperative sentence must always be in the base form (present tense, singular/unconjugated), even though the action is intended to happen immediately or in the future.

Tonal Distinction: Commands vs. Requests Quiz