Overview
This lesson covers sensory imperatives in English: verbs and structures used to give commands related to the human senses.
Human Senses & Sensory Verbs
- "Sensory" means related to the senses: touch, sight, smell, hearing, taste.
- Common sensory verbs: look, listen, feel, watch, touch, smell, taste, try, check.
Forming Imperatives
- Imperatives are commands, usually starting with a verb: "Look!", "Listen!".
- Negative imperatives add "don't": "Don't touch", "Don't look".
Using Sensory Verbs in Imperatives
Look
- Use "look" to direct attention: "Look!", "Look at me".
- Use adverbs: "Look up", "Look down", "Look here", "Look there".
Listen
- Use "listen" for hearing: "Listen!", "Listen to this".
- "Listen up" means "pay attention now".
- Can be used to focus on a specific sound or part: "Listen here".
Feel and Touch
- "Feel" and "touch" are related, for physical contact: "Feel this", "Touch here".
- Can specify objects or locations: "Touch that", "Feel there".
Watch
- "Watch" for sustained attention with eyes: "Watch me", "Watch this".
- "Watch yourself" means "be careful".
- Use for videos or specific events: "Watch here".
Smell and Taste
- "Smell" uses the nose: "Smell this", "Don't smell that" (for warnings).
- "Taste" uses the tongue, usually for food: "Taste this", "Taste that".
Try and Check
- "Try" and "check" can mean to sample: "Try this", "Check that".
- Phrasal verbs: "Check it out", "Try it out" mean to sample or test.
"Give (it) a..." Structure
- Use "give it a look/smell/taste/watch/listen/try" to suggest sampling or experiencing.
- "Give it a whiff" means to smell something quickly.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Imperative — A verb form used for giving commands or instructions.
- Sensory — Relating to the five human senses.
- Phrasal verb — Verb combined with a preposition or adverb, forming a new meaning (e.g., "check out").
- Whiff — A quick smell.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using sensory imperatives in sentences.
- Complete the quiz at www.engvid.com to test understanding.