GRAMMAR A2 Imperatives Instructions Directions First / Then / Finally

A2 Imperatives and Instructions

Learn to give clear instructions, directions, warnings and advice using positive and negative imperatives, sequencing words and polite language. Impara a dare istruzioni, indicazioni, avvertimenti e consigli chiari usando imperativi affermativi e negativi, parole di sequenza e formule cortesi.

Open the door Don’t touch Please wait Turn left First / Then / Finally

Student detailsDati studente

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1. See it in context1. Guarda gli imperativi nel contesto

“Open the document and read the instructions carefully. Don’t close the page. First, enter your name; then, answer the questions; finally, press Submit.”
What to noticeCosa notare

Open / read: imperativo affermativo con forma base.

Don’t close: imperativo negativo.

carefully: avverbio che descrive come compiere l’azione.

first, then, finally: sequenza dei passaggi.

2. A2 control panel2. Pannello di controllo A2

Positive
base verb

Open the door.

Negative
don’t + base verb

Don’t open the door.

Polite
please + imperative

Please wait here.

Warning
be + adjective

Be careful!

Suggestion
let’s + base verb

Let’s start.

Sequence
first / then / finally

First mix, then cook.

3. Positive and negative imperatives3. Imperativi affermativi e negativi

Core rule:Regola centrale:

Positive: base verb — Close the window.

Negative: don’t + base verb — Don’t close the window.

PositiveAffermativo

Sit down.

Write your name.

Turn left.

Italian trap: Non usare to prima del verbo.

NegativeNegativo

Don’t sit there.

Don’t write in pencil.

Don’t turn right.

Italian trap: Usa don’t, non not da solo.

4. The subject is usually omitted4. Il soggetto è normalmente omesso

Incorrect or unnaturalErrato o poco naturaleNatural imperativeImperativo naturale
You open the book.Open the book.
You don’t touch that. as a direct instructionDon’t touch that.
You turn left.Turn left.

The subject you is understood.Il soggetto you è sottinteso.

5. Making instructions polite5. Rendere le istruzioni più cortesi

please

Please sit down.

Wait here, please.

Please può andare all’inizio o alla fine.

Can / Could you…?

Can you open the window?

Could you speak more slowly?

Queste sono richieste, non imperativi puri, ma sono più cortesi.

6. Warnings and advice6. Avvertimenti e consigli

Be careful!
Fai attenzione!
Watch out!
Attenzione!
Don’t worry.
Non preoccuparti.
Take your time.
Fai con calma.

7. Let’s for suggestions7. Let’s per fare proposte

Positive suggestionProposta positiva

Let’s start.

Let’s take a break.

Negative suggestionProposta negativa

Let’s not wait.

Let’s not argue.

8. Adverbs in instructions8. Avverbi nelle istruzioni

AdjectiveAdverbInstruction
carefulcarefullyRead carefully.
slowslowlySpeak slowly.
quietquietlyClose the door quietly.
gentlegentlyMix gently.
goodwellMix well.

9. Directions9. Indicazioni stradali

Go straight ahead.
Turn left / right.
Cross the road.
Go past the bank.
Take the second street on the left.

10. Sequencing instructions10. Mettere le istruzioni in sequenza

First, switch on the computer.

Then, open the program.

Next, enter your password.

Finally, click Submit.

Useful for:Utile per:

recipes, technical instructions, classroom tasks, directions and daily procedures.ricette, istruzioni tecniche, attività didattiche, indicazioni stradali e procedure quotidiane.

11. Phrasal verbs in instructions11. Phrasal verbs nelle istruzioni

Phrasal verbWith a nounWith a pronoun
turn onTurn on the light.Turn it on.
put onPut on your coat.Put it on.
write downWrite down the number.Write it down.
pick upPick up the box.Pick it up.

12. Italian brain vs English brain12. Cervello italiano vs cervello inglese

ItalianoErrore comuneInglese naturale
Apri la porta.You open the door.Open the door.
Non toccare.Not touch.Don’t touch.
Parla lentamente.Speak slow.Speak slowly.
Mettilo.Put on it.Put it on.
Facciamo una pausa.We make a break.Let’s take a break.

13. Common mistakes13. Errori comuni

❌ To open the file.

L’imperativo inizia con la forma base.

✅ Open the file.
❌ Not press this button.

La forma negativa usa don’t.

✅ Don’t press this button.
❌ Drive careful.

Serve l’avverbio carefully.

✅ Drive carefully.
❌ Put on it.

Con un pronome, separa il phrasal verb.

✅ Put it on.

14. Concept Check Questions

1. What form do we use for a positive imperative?1. Quale forma usiamo per l’imperativo affermativo?
2. How do we form a negative imperative?2. Come formiamo l’imperativo negativo?
3. Do we normally include the subject you in an imperative?3. Normalmente includiamo il soggetto you nell’imperativo?
4. Which words help organise instructions?4. Quali parole aiutano a organizzare le istruzioni?

15. Quick Check

1. _____ the window, please.1. _____ la finestra, per favore.
2. _____ touch that button.2. Non _____ quel pulsante.
3. Choose the most polite instruction.3. Scegli l’istruzione più cortese.
4. First, switch on the computer. _____, open the program.4. Prima accendi il computer. _____, apri il programma.
5. _____ left at the traffic lights.5. _____ a sinistra al semaforo.

16. Challenge Check

1. Choose the correct instruction.1. Scegli l’istruzione corretta.
2. Which sentence makes a suggestion for a group?2. Quale frase propone qualcosa a un gruppo?
3. Which sentence is a warning?3. Quale frase è un avvertimento?
4. Which sentence is correct?4. Quale frase è corretta?
5. Which sequence is logical?5. Quale sequenza è logica?

17. Write it in English17. Scrivi in inglese

1. Apri il libro a pagina dieci.
2. Non usare il telefono qui.
3. Per favore, parla più lentamente.
4. Gira a destra dopo la banca.
5. Prima mescola gli ingredienti, poi aggiungi l’acqua.

18. Correction and transformation18. Correzione e trasformazione

1. Rewrite as an imperative.

You open the door.

2. Correct the instruction.

Not touch the screen.

3. Rewrite as a direct warning.

You should be careful.

4. Correct the instruction.

Put on it.

5. Rewrite using FIRST, THEN and FINALLY.

Open the app. Enter your password. Press Login.

19. Mini dialogue19. Mini dialogo

A: “How do I use this machine?”A: “Come si usa questa macchina?”

20. Guided writing task20. Writing guidato

Write 60–90 words giving instructions for a simple task, recipe, route or digital process. Use at least six imperative structures. Scrivi 60–90 parole dando istruzioni per un compito semplice, una ricetta, un percorso o una procedura digitale. Usa almeno sei strutture imperative.

positive imperative
negative imperative
please
sequencing word
adverb of manner
warning or advice
Capital letter + punctuation + 60 words
Model answer:

First, open the website and click Login. Then, enter your email address carefully. Don’t use an old password. Next, choose your course and press Start. Read each instruction slowly, and write your answers in the boxes. Don’t close the page before you finish. Finally, check your answers and click Submit. Please wait for the confirmation message.

21. Use it in real life21. Usalo nella vita reale

Give directions

Go straight ahead, turn left and cross the road.

Explain a process

First, open the app. Then, enter your details. Finally, press Send.

Want a lasting method to learn English?Vuoi un metodo duraturo per imparare l’inglese?

Book a consultation to identify the right path for your level and goals.Prenota un colloquio per individuare il percorso più adatto al tuo livello e ai tuoi obiettivi.

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