I've googled this but I cannot find an answer. The other similar threads asked was can the form of the verb 'be' be an imperative? I don't know if 'you are required' is a form of the 'be' verb.
"You are required to ... do this and do that"
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1Be good! Be careful! are imperatives. Your sentence may suggest a command, but the verb are required is in the indicative mood, passive voice.– KarlGCommented Apr 13, 2018 at 10:38
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1You need to distinguish between the general meaning of "imperative" and it's meaning with regard to English syntax. If you are required to do something then it's imperative. But that does not make it an imperative construction.– Hot LicksCommented Apr 13, 2018 at 11:43
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1 Answer
Imperatives use the base form of the verb (including the verb to be) and issue commands or directives:
- Come here!
- Stop that!
- Be quiet!
- Be ready to leave at 6 o'clock.
You are required to do this does not have the grammatical form of an imperative. But it may be intended as a command by the speaker.
For example: You are required to apply for a visa three months in advance of your journey is simply conveying information.
You are required to have your dog on a lead, on the other hand, may be intended and interpreted as a directive:
- Put your dog on a lead now!
This aspect of pragmatics is known as Illocutionary Force.
