Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Imperative Mood

Definition: 

Imperative mood is mood that signals directive modality, especially in commands. Its use may be extended to signal permission.

Discussion: 

An imperative verb is typically not inflected for most of the grammatical categories associated with verbs in a language, especially tense and person.

Examples: 

(English)

Here is an example of a construction indicating imperative mood:

  • Come in!