imperative statement

[/ɪmˈperətɪv ˈsteɪtmənt/]
nounpl: imperative statements
declaração imperativa
1. A grammatical sentence that expresses a command, request, or instruction, typically directed at another person and often without an explicit subject
Close the door! is an imperative statement.
Feche a porta! é uma declaração imperativa.
2. In logic and philosophy, a statement that prescribes what should be done or what is necessary
The categorical imperative is a moral imperative statement that applies universally.
O imperativo categórico é uma declaração imperativa moral que se aplica universalmente.
3. A statement that is urgent, essential, or absolutely necessary
It is an imperative statement that we reduce carbon emissions.
É uma declaração imperativa que reduzamos as emissões de carbono.
In Brazilian Portuguese academic and grammar contexts, imperative statements are widely taught as a fundamental grammatical concept. The term is frequently used in educational settings to distinguish command structures from other sentence types. In American English, the concept is central to formal logic and moral philosophy, particularly in discussions of Kantian ethics.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
commandimperative sentencedirectiveinstructionmandate
Antonyms / Antônimos
questioninterrogative statementdeclarative statementsuggestionoption

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
declaração imperativa
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ordem imperativa
Often emphasizes the commanding aspect more directly
São Paulo
declaração imperativa
More formal, academic usage preferred in business contexts
Portugal
declaração imperativa / frase imperativa
Slight variation in preference; both forms are acceptable

Related Words

imperative moodimperative verbcommand sentencegrammatical moodprescription

Related Idioms & Phrases

It is imperative that...
An imperative need
Of imperative importance
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