| Affirmative | the base verb for every person, with no subject and no -s | Open the door. |
| Negative | Don't + V, also before be | Don't be late. |
| Suggestion | Let's + V: includes the speaker, invites others to join | Let's go to the beach. |
| Negative suggestion | Let's not + V | Let's not wait. |
| Use | instructions, directions, orders | Turn left and go straight on. |
| Use | invitations, offers, warnings | Come in. / Look out! |
| Politeness | please at the start or the end makes a request friendly | Please sit down. |
| Trap | after Don't and Let's: the base verb, no to | Don't open it. / Let's go. |