1. How to use Imperatives + Infinitive 'to' - Examples
Giving Advice / Instructions / Suggestions
1. Remember to read the instructions.
2. Don't forget to tell your mum.
3. Try not to worry too much.
4. Try to get enough rest.
5. Make sure to turn the lights off.
6. Remember not to add too much sugar.
7. Be sure to be there by 10 am.
8. Be sure not to call him after dinner.
2. Imperative + Infinitive 'to' - Grammar & Sentence Pattern
How to form
i) (Positive Form) - Verb (basic form) + infinitive 'to'
e.g. Remember to buy bread on your way home.
ii) (Negative Form) - Do + not + Verb (basic form) + infinitive to
e.g. Do not / Don't forget to empty the bin.
3. With 'always'
e.g. Always remember to turn it off after use.
4. With 'never'
e.g. Never forget to lock the gate.
5. With 'please'
e.g. Please don't forget to tell your mum about it.
Grammar Point!
Check out this post >> 3 Ways to Use the Imperative for Giving Instructions
Note!
You can also use the 'Imperative verb + 'to' to give advice, instructions, suggestions.
Below is short story using the 'Imperative + Infinitive to'. How many can you spot?
Part 1.
The Perfect Picnic
Sophie was excited about her weekend picnic with friends. She was known for being a little forgetful, but this time, she was determined to be fully prepared.
The night before, Sophie made a checklist. "Remember to pack the sandwiches," she said to herself, scribbling it down.
She continued, "Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen. It’s going to be sunny!"
The next morning, Sophie started packing.
Her best friend, Emma, called to check on her. "Hey, Sophie! Did you pack the drinks? Remember to bring enough for everyone."
"Oh no! I almost forgot," Sophie replied, adding it to her list. Emma laughed.
"And don’t forget to bring a blanket. We need something to sit on!"
Sophie packed quickly, repeating Emma’s advice in her head. "Remember to bring drinks, don’t forget the blanket…" She was confident she had everything she needed.
At the park, her friends were impressed. "Wow, Sophie! You didn’t forget anything!" said James.
Sophie smiled proudly. "I followed my list. I remembered to pack everything you reminded me of."
The day went smoothly. They had fun under the sun, enjoying the perfect picnic.
3. How to use Imperative + Infinitive 'to' for giving instructions
Example Sentence A
- Vanessa left a note with instructions for Mabel before leaving for a business trip:
Dear Mabel,
Please remember to do these 5 things for me:
1. Make sure to water the plants on the balcony.
2. Try to make sure all areas are kept tidy.
3. Don't forget to take care of the plants in the kitchen as well.
4. Remember to add fertiliser on Sunday.
5. Be sure to make dinner for Tom on Tuesday.
4. How to use Imperative + Infinitive 'to' for giving advice
Example Sentence
Sasha is giving some advice to Dan on the basic care for *succulents. She lives in Singapore where the weather is always hot and humid.
Vocabulary Check!
*succulent =Plants with thick stems and leaves which can store a lot of water in them. e.g cactus
i. Try to keep succulents in the brightest spot in your home e.g. near windows, on the window sill etc.
ii. Please make sure not to water them for more than once a week.
iii. Always remember to water the roots area but not the leaves.
iv. Succulents hate soaking in wet soil. So, remember to keep soil moist but not wet.
v. Don't forget to let the soil dry out completely before you water.
vi. Try to use "growth" LED lights if you are growing them in a dark area of your apartment.
vii. Make sure to let your succulents get enough light. They love it!
5. How to use Imperative + Infinitive 'to' for suggestions - Example Sentence
Christine is giving suggestions to Kate on how to make a smoothie bowl in a jar.
- How to Make a Smoothie Bowl in a Jar
(1) Try to add toppings to the bottom and top of the jar.
(This way you can easily see the different layers in the smoothie jar.)
(2) Remember to use different types of smoothie mixtures.
(This is a fun way to make your smoothie jar more exciting.)
(Mix and match a few different smoothie recipes.)
(3) Try to make smoothies of different colours: a purple one with berries, pink one with bright dragon fruit, and a green smoothie.
(Create a multi-coloured smoothie jar.)
(4) Always try to find interesting ways to layer the ingredients.
(Add a little smoothie mixture, toppings, more smoothie mixture, and more toppings until you reach the top.)
(5) Don't forget to use a fun jar.
(Make smoothie bowls in jars you really enjoy using. For example, you can use a vintage-style mason jar or a decorative jar.)
(6) Be sure to get as creative as possible. Don't forget to have fun.
(This way you get to eat healthier and enjoy more of these delicious smoothie bowls in jars.)
Let's continue with the story to practise more with:
remember to...
don't forget to ...
always be sure to...
try to...
never forget to...
be sure to ...
try not to ...
make sure to ...
Part 2.
The Surprise at the Picnic: The Treasure Hunt Challenge
After a relaxing picnic, Sophie decided to surprise her friends with a treasure hunt.
She gathered everyone around and handed out a map.
“Alright, guys! I’ve hidden clues around the park.
Make sure to follow the map carefully,” Sophie explained with a grin. “And be sure not to miss the clue near the fountain.”
Everyone split into teams, eager to solve the puzzle. James led his team confidently. “Let’s try to find the first clue as fast as possible,” he said. "But remember not to rush too much—we don’t want to miss anything important."
Emma, always thoughtful, chimed in, “And try not to step on the flowers in the garden. We should respect the park.”
As the group searched, they came across a tricky clue hidden under a bench. “Be sure to look for something shiny,” Emma reminded them. “There’s always a clue hidden somewhere small.”
“Make sure to check under the big oak tree when we get there,” Sophie called out from behind. “That’s where the last clue is hidden.”
James smiled and said, “Let’s try not to get too competitive. This is supposed to be fun!”
Finally, the treasure was discovered—a box full of snacks and small gifts.
The group laughed and thanked Sophie for organising such a great day.
“Be sure to organise another one of these picnics soon!” James said. "And make sure to invite everyone again!"
Sophie smiled. “I will. And next time, I’ll make the treasure hunt even harder.
So, remember not to underestimate the clues!”
6. Let's Recap!
We've looked at How to Use Imperative Verb + Infinitive 'to' Sentence for Giving Advice, Instructions & Suggestions :
e.g.
remember to...
don't forget to ...
always be sure to...
try to...
never forget to...
be sure to ...
try not to ...
make sure to ...
7. It's Your Turn!
How would you use the Imperative Verb + 'to' for advice, instructions & suggestions ?
Let's practise.
a. Advice:
- Your friend is asking for advice. She's been invited to visit her boyfriend's parents for the first time. She feels nervous and wants to make a good impression. What advice can you give her?
Use 'Imperative verb + 'to' for giving your advice:
1.
2.
3.
Vocabulary Check!
UK / US English - Spelling Difference
UK English
- advise (verb)
- advice (noun)
US English
- advice (verb)
- advice (noun)
b. Instructions:
- You are going away for a week's holiday. You want your friend to house-sit for you.
How can your friend keep your house safe?
Give him/her some instructions.
Vocabulary Check!
Meaning:
-house-sit (verb) = to stay in and take care of someone's house while the person is away
-house-sitter (noun)
c. Suggestions:
Your friend's neighbour plays music quite loudly after 10pm. How can your friend enjoy a quiet evening? What do you suggest your friend do?
Use 'Imperative verb' + to' for giving your advice / suggestion:
1.
2.
3.
Thank you for reading & Happy Learning!
Love This Content? Get more delivered to you! Sign up for our weekly email with fresh ideas for learning English.
For more related posts check out the links below.
Don't Just Read, Watch! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video tutorials and explanations.
Question? Contact us on the form below.