The imperative sentences in French
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HideWhat is an imperative sentence in French ?
The imperative phrase (French: la phrase impérative) is also called injonctive phrase (La phrase injonctive) and expresses an order, an advice, or a prohibition. It can end with a point (.) Or an exclamation point (!).
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Injonctive vs imperative sentences in French
Even if they are the same, they have a little particularities:
The injonctive phrase is used to express the same thing but can be a nominal phrase and uses other tenses than the imperative:
- subjunctive
- present
- future simple
- infinitive
You can use those verbs: interdire que, exiger que, souhaiter que... conjugated or as an introduction to the subjunctive.
| Use of injonctive | Examples | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal phrase | Dehors ! | (Get out !) |
| Present | Je t'interdis de partir. | (Don't you dare to leave !) |
| Future | Vous ne ferez plus vos devoirs après le dîner. | (You will do no more homework after dinner) |
| Infinitive | Interdiction de fumer ici ! | (It is prohibited to smoke here !) |
| Subjunctive | J'exige que tu le fasses | (I want you to do it) |
| Imperative | Va voir le médecin. | (Go to the doctor) |
The imperative sentence only uses the imperative tense. Therefore an exclamation point.
| Examples of imperative | Translations |
|---|---|
| Fais tes devoirs ! | (Do your homework !) |
| Rangez vos affaires avant de sortir ! | (Arrange your stuff before leaving !) |
| Tais-toi et mange ! | (Shut up and eat !) |
The imperative sentences and forms in French
The exclamative phrases can take forms but usually the affirmative form and the negative form.
| Forms | Examples | Translations |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Prépare le repas | (Prepare the lunch) |
| Negative | Ne prépare pas le repas | (Don't prepare the lunch) |