Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What is the function of an imperative sentence?

1. To introduce a character

2. To pose a question

3. To command or enjoin

4. To describe a setting

The correct answer is: To command or enjoin

An imperative sentence serves the function of giving a command, making a request, or enjoining someone to do something. This type of sentence directly addresses the listener or reader and often starts with a verb. For example, phrases like "Please close the door" or "Let’s begin the meeting" are both imperatives that instruct someone to take action. The nature of imperative sentences is to create a sense of urgency or necessity regarding the action to be performed. The other options do not align with the definition of an imperative sentence. Introducing a character relates to narrative techniques, posing a question pertains to interrogative sentences, and describing a setting is characteristic of descriptive language rather than an attempt to command or direct action. Therefore, the effective and accurate function of an imperative sentence is to command or enjoin.