Cool MateCommand vs Imperative
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Command
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Imperative
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: ImperativeMost common: Command
| Command | Imperative | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəˈmɑːnd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəˈmænd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪmˈpɛr.ə.tɪv//🇺🇸 //ɪmˈpɛr.ə.tɪv// |
| Meaning | An order to do something. | A command or instruction. |
| Example | Her ability to command attention in the classroom is impressive. | Please sit down is an example of an imperative. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | basic, simple, carry out, obey, disobey, at somebody’s command, your wish is my command, spoken, verbal, voice, enter, type, use, line, prompt, complete, full, total, have, assume, take, centre/center, chair, deck, in command, in command of, under somebody’s command, the chain of command, the line of command, excellent, fluent, good, have, demonstrate, show, at your command, command of | imperative sentence, strong imperative, imperative form |
| Antonyms | submission, compliance, inaction | optional, discretionary |
| Common mistakes | 'Command' is confused with 'demand' but is less aggressive., Learners often use 'command' without an object, forgetting it typically requires one., Mispronouncing 'command' as 'comand'. | Confuse with 'imperative mood', which specifically refers to command structures in grammar., Use 'imperative' as a noun when it's often an adjective in context., Omit context when discussing 'imperative', leading to ambiguity. |
| Usage notes | Use 'command' when giving direct instructions, especially in formal contexts like military or authority. Avoid in casual conversations where 'ask' or 'request' might be more appropriate. | Use 'imperative' in formal writing about grammar or when giving strong commands. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Command vs Imperative
What's the difference between Command and Imperative?
Command: An order to do something. Imperative: A command or instruction.
Which is more formal: Command and Imperative?
Imperative is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Command and Imperative?
Command is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Command: Her ability to command attention in the classroom is impressive. Imperative: Please sit down is an example of an imperative.
Can I use Command and Imperative interchangeably?
Not always. Command and Imperative are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.