How do I use an imperative?

Imperatives are used to give orders, express encouragement or give advice. They are formed from the present tenses forms of verbs of the second person singular (tu), second person plural (vous) and the first person plural (nous). All you have to do is take the verb form and remove the subject and the final s of any verb which ends in es or as.
Tu:e.g. 'open the box' = 'ouvre la boîte' (notice how it is 'ouvre' without the s)
Vous:e.g. 'leave me alone' = 'laissez-moi seul'
Nous:e.g. 'let's go' = 'allons-y'
There are four verbs with irregular imperative forms: être, avoir, savoir, vouloir. Instead of being formed from the present tense, they are formed from the present subjunctive.
Tu: e.g. 'be happy' = 'sois heureux'e.g. 'please sit down' = 'veuille t'asseoir'(vouloir in the imperative is almost only used to mean please) Vous: e.g. 'know the answer' = 'sachez la réponse'
Nous: e.g. 'let's have this one' = 'ayons celui-là' 

AD
Answered by Amelia D. French tutor

1572 Views

See similar French A Level tutors

Related French A Level answers

All answers ▸

What should I do if I don't know a word when doing the translation section of the exam?


Translate these common French idioms


What are the general rules regarding the use of the definite article in French?


To what extent does the book Le Petit Prince indicate that parents loose their imagination as they grow up?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences