Ferme la porte !
English: Close the door!
- Language
- French
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Verbes et temps verbaux
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The imperative (l’impératif) in French is a verb form used to give commands, instructions, advice, or requests.
When to use it
Use the imperative in French when you want to tell someone what to do, give advice, make suggestions, or give instructions.
Key forms
- Use only three forms: tu (you - singular/informal), nous (we), and vous (you - plural/formal).
- No subject pronoun is used: just the verb.
- Examples: Parle ! (Speak!), Finissons ! (Let's finish!), Attendez ! (Wait!)
Examples
Allons-y !
English: Let's go!
Écoutez bien.
English: Listen carefully.
Prends ton livre.
English: Take your book.
Regardez !
English: Look!
Tips
- Remember: do not use the subject pronoun (tu, nous, vous) with the imperative.
- For -er verbs in the 'tu' form, drop the final -s: e.g., Parle ! not Parles !
- The imperative can be used for both positive and negative commands (e.g., Ne parle pas !).
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs are irregular in the imperative, such as être, avoir, savoir, and vouloir.
- For -er verbs and aller, add an -s in the 'tu' form when followed by 'y' or 'en' (e.g., Vas-y !).