Imperative form

Be quiet!

When we tell someone to do something we use the base form of the verb.

Examples

Be quiet!
Come here, please.
Look after your sister while I’m out.

When we tell someone not to do something we use Don’t + base form or Do not + base form

Examples

Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t be silly!
Do not do that again!

In a more informal situation, for example a mother talking to a child, we can use Don’t + you + base form

Examples

Don’t you worry about a thing.
Don’t you give or sell your soul away. (Tracy Chapman, All that you have is your soul)

See also: