The imperative is a verbal mood used to express an order, advice, suggestion, or invitation. Unlike other tenses, it only has three persons: the second person singular (tu), the first person plural (nous), and the second person plural (vous).
Imperative of First Group Verbs
- Parler : Parle (tu), parlons (nous), parlez (vous) [Speak (you - singular informal), let’s speak (we), speak (you - plural/formal)]
- Donner : Donne, donnons, donnez
- Acheter : Achète, achetons, achetez
Imperative of Second and Third Group Verbs
For second group verbs (-ir) and some irregular third group verbs, the imperative is formed from the verb root followed by the endings -s, -ons, and -ez.
- Finir : Finis (tu), finissons (nous), finissez (vous)
- Prendre : Prends (tu), prenons, prenez
Irregular Verbs
- Être : Sois (tu), soyons (nous), soyez (vous)
- Avoir : Aie, ayons, ayez
- Savoir : Sache, sachons, sachez
Usage of the Imperative
The imperative is often used without a subject, with context or intonation clearly indicating the person concerned. It is common in instructions, recipes, user manuals, or to give orders and advice.
- Regarde cette étoile !
- Écoutons de la musique.
- Étudiez le soir et aussi le weekend.
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