4.32 advice and warnings

You can use the imperative mood when you are giving advice or a warning.

• Be sensible.
• You be careful.

Often advice or a warning is expressed in a negative form. You form a negative imperative by putting 'don't' or 'do not' in front of the base form of the verb.

• Don't be afraid of them.
• Don't be discouraged.
• Do not move out of your home without getting legal advice.

You can also form a negative imperative by putting 'never' in front of the base form of a verb.

• Never open the front door without looking through the peephole.

Another way of giving advice or a warning is to use one of the modals 'should' or 'ought to' in a declarative sentence.

• You should get to know him better.
• You shouldn't keep eggs in the refrigerator.

This use is explained in detail in paragraph 4.219.