What is the difference between an imperative sentence and a command?

Answer 1

What is the difference between an imperative sentence and a command? A command is an imperative, but it might not be a complete sentence (e.g., 'Left turn!'). Furthermore, the word 'command' implies that there is a way of enforcing the imperative. It is certainly arguable, and the consensus would seem to indicate, that "Left Turn!" is an imperative sentence. More words need to be implied than, for example, the implied "You" in the imperative sentence "Stop!" In the "Left turn!" example, it is less clear what words should be implied. The meaning of "You left turn!" is not precise, not entirely clear. Furthermore, the sentence structure is awkward. It is also arguable that "You left turn!" does not even express a complete thought, and is not a sentence for that reason as well. For some unknown reason, "fragments" seem to be undesirable in the English language, or at least in English grammar, and yet most of what are called imperative sentences are really fragments. Copy this, show it to your English teacher, and see what s/he has to say. Perhaps your teacher might agree to discuss or debate it in class.