How do you form the imperative in French?

The imperative is used for giving commands, requests or instructions. To form the imperative, first take off the subject, that's the 'tu', 'vous' or 'nous' that comes before the verb. For example, 'get out', using the verb 'sortir':Tu sors (you informal and singular) becomes 'sors!' (get out!)Vous sortez (you formal and plural) becomes 'sortez!' (get out!)Nous sortons (we) becomes 'sortons!' (let's go out!)So the imperatives all look the same as the present tense. E.g. 'allez dormir!' (go to sleep!), 'finissez vos devoirs!' (finish your homework!), 'attends!' (wait!)Potential additional points:-One exception is with 'tu' forms that end in 'es'- you only lose the 's' when forming the imperative, e.g. 'Regarde Jean-Paul!' (look at Jean-Paul!), 'Écoute ceci!' (listen to this!)-Negative imperatives- put 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after, like normal, e.g. 'ne vendez pas la voiture!' (don't sell the car!)-Reflexives-Irregulars- être, avoir, savoir

IP
Answered by Ilana P. French tutor

1840 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the subjunctive mood?


How do I form the past tense?


What is the difference between the imperfect and the perfect tense? When are they supposed to be used?


When do you use 'avoir' and 'être' when using 'Le passé composé'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences