What are Subjects in Imperative Sentences

In previous lessons we’ve learned to identify the subject and we’ve learned to identify imperative sentences.  Except imperative sentences don’t always have a subject in the sentence.

Most of the time the subject of an imperative sentence is going to be you.  Remember that imperative sentences are usually an order, instruction or directive.  These are usually said to a person that is right in front of the speaker or the speaker is known by everyone.

For example, if a teacher tells the class “do your homework” the subject is implied as each of the students.  The teacher doesn’t need to say “All of you do your homework”. When your mom tells you something like “clean your room” or “go outside to play” the subject is you.  You are the one that will be taking the action so you are the subject, even if its not said.

Look at the following sentences.  Some of them are imperatives but some are not. Some of these are declarative sentences. Find the simple subject, if there is one, or mark the sentence as an imperative.

1. Go home.
2. Jesse is tired.
3. Make your bed.
4. Clean up because it is dirty here.
5. It is so hot today.
6. Turn on the air conditioning.

Go home.  This is an imperative. The subject isn’t stated but it is an order.

Jesse is tired.  This is a declarative sentence and Jesse is the subject.

Make your bed.  You probably read that in your mom’s voice.  This is an imperative sentence where you are the unstated subject.

Clean up because it is dirty here. This is a longer sentence but it is still an imperative.

It is so hot today.  In this sentence, “it” is the subject.  This is a declarative sentence.

Turn on the air conditioning. This is an order or directive so it’s an imperative sentence. The subject is probably somebody nearby.

The subjects in imperative sentences are understood based on the context of what you’re saying.  You don’t have to say everything for the person you’re talking to for them to understand what you’re saying.