Command Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: W.7-8.2.D

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Often you will come across a sentence that asks or orders people to do something. This is called a command. If commands are written in sentence form, they are called imperative sentences. Most commands begin with a verb. This verb is often the action that is desired by the command. The subjects in these sentences are often an after thought or no present at all. These worksheets will help students write and interpret command sentences.

Command Worksheets:

Recognizing Commands – A command ends with a period. An exclamation expresses excitement or very strong emotion. An exclamation ends with an exclamation point.

Dog Training – Imagine you are training your new puppy. Write eight commands that you will teach your pup.

Question or Command? – Read each sentence. Write the correct punctuation mark on the line.

I'll Tell You! – For each command, underline the simple subject and draw a box around the simple predicate. If the subject is understood, write (U) in parentheses after the sentence.

Writing:Commands, Exclamations, Questions – An exclamation expresses excitement or very strong emotion. An exclamation ends with an exclamation point. A question is a sentence that is requesting information. An question ends with a question mark.

Punctuating Commands – Determine if each sentence below is a command, an exclamation, or a question. Then provide the correct punctuation mark to complete the sentence.

The Bossy Babysitter – Unscramble the words. Then match them with the correct rest of the sentence to create a command. Write the completed commands on the lines below.

Teacher for a Day – Imagine that you have been asked to teach a kindergarten class for the day, but the class turns out to be unruly. Write eight commands you think you might have to use to control your class.

Punctuation: Commands, Exclamations, Questions – Read each sentence. Is it a command, an exclamation, or a question? Write the correct punctuation mark on the line.

Off the Subject! – Write a command that you might give to each person indicated in parentheses.

Shook My Hands – Rewrite each question as a command.

The End – Read each sentence. Write the correct punctuation mark.

Exclamations vs. Commands – You decide which works better for you.

Your Thoughts – Write 5 original commands intended for the individual indicated in parentheses.

Types of Sentences – What kind is it?

What Are Commands


A command is an important element of the English language. A command can be used when we want someone to do something. A command can also be called an imperative form or imperative mood. A command is simply an order that should be followed if the person giving the command has authority over you. Some commands are useless and can be ignored. For example, if a friend asks you to give him all of your money.

In the imperative language, a command can either be a noun or a verb. The word command has a Latin prefix "com" in it. It means "with", or "enjoin". This means that giving a command means to say something that allows the listener to comply with the authority and follow the command. Sometimes, the command is also related to power. It can also mean that you are skilled at something. For example, having a great command of drawing. Other times, it can be as simple as your mother commanding you to clean your room.


Using Commands


If you want to give a command to a single person or a bunch of people, you can use the same format. A command is given by using the infinitive form of the verb. There is no subject used in the format of the command. The verb "to" is also not used when giving the command. For example,
Josh gets on the plane.

This is a simple sentence. However, it can easily be converted into a command. A command will mean that you will tell Josh to get on the plane. You can use the verb in the infinitive and leave out the subject. You will use the verb as the first word of the sentence.
Get on the plane.