Hortative and Imperative Sentences 

Imperative Sentences:

• Explanation: An imperative sentence issues a direct command, request, instruction, or warning.1 The subject of an imperative sentence is almost always an implied "you."2 The speaker is directly telling the listener or reader what to do.3

• Key Characteristics:

  • Direct command/request: No room for negotiation.

  • Implied "you" as the subject: The person being addressed is expected to perform the action.4

  • Often begins with a verb: The sentence structure is typically simple and to the point.5

  • Ends with a period or exclamation mark: Depending on the urgency or force of the command.6

• Examples:

  • "Close the door." (Direct command)

  • "Please pass the salt." (Direct request, softened by "please")7

  • "Turn left at the next intersection." (Instruction)

  • "Beware of the dog!" (Warning)8

  • "Do your homework." (Command)

  • "Don't touch that!" (Prohibition/Warning)9

  • "Run!" (Simple, urgent command)10

Hortative Sentences:

• Explanation: A hortative sentence exhorts, advises, urges, or calls to action in a more inclusive and less direct way than an imperative.11 It suggests a shared or collective action, often including the speaker. It's about encouragement or persuasion, not a direct order.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Encouragement/Suggestion: Aims to motivate or persuade.12

  • Inclusive language: Often uses "let us" (or "let's") to include the speaker and the audience.

  • Collective action: Implies that the speaker and listener will act together.

  • Less forceful than an imperative.

• Examples:

  • "Let us begin the meeting." (A suggestion for collective action)

  • "Let's try a different approach." (Encouraging a shared new strategy)

  • "May we find peace in our hearts." (An earnest appeal for a collective state of being, functioning hortatively)

  • "Let us not dwell on past mistakes." (Advising against a particular course of action, for all involved)

  • "Everyone, let's give a round of applause!" (Calling for a collective action from the addressed group)

  • "Come on, let's go for a walk." (A friendly invitation to a shared activity)

The Core Difference: Directness and Inclusion

The main difference boils down to:

• Imperative: "YOU do this." (Direct, singular or plural "you")

• Hortative: "LET US do this." or "WE should do this." (Inclusive, suggesting joint action)

Think of it this way: If a parent tells a child, "Clean your room!" that's an imperative. If a coach tells their team, "Let's win this game!" that's a hortative – they're encouraging a shared effort, not just commanding one person.