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Understanding the Imperative Mood in Español
The imperative mood is used when we want to tell someone to do something. It's like giving a command or making a request. In Español, this mood has special forms, and it changes depending on who you are talking to.
Important Points
The imperative is mainly used in the present tense.
It is used for giving orders, advice, or instructions.
There are different forms for tú (informal 'you'), usted (formal 'you'), nosotros (inclusive 'we'), vosotros (informal 'you all' in Spain), and ustedes (formal 'you all').
The imperative form changes based on whether the command is affirmative (telling someone to do something) or negative (telling someone not to do something).
Forming the Affirmative Imperative
When you want to tell someone to do something, you use the affirmative imperative. The form changes depending on who you are speaking to.
Important Points
For tú, use the third person singular form of the present tense. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'habla'.
For usted, use the third person singular form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hable'.
For nosotros, use the first person plural form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablemos'.
For vosotros, use the infinitive form of the verb without the 'r', and add 'd'. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablad'.
For ustedes, use the third person plural form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'hablen'.
Examples
Tú: Habla más despacio.
Usted: Hable con el maestro.
Nosotros: Hablemos con ellos.
Forming the Negative Imperative
When you want to tell someone not to do something, use the negative imperative. It also changes based on who you are talking to.
Important Points
For tú, use the second person singular form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'no hables'.
For usted, use the third person singular form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'no hable'.
For nosotros, use the first person plural form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'no hablemos'.
For vosotros, use the second person plural form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'no habléis'.
For ustedes, use the third person plural form of the present subjunctive. For example, 'hablar' becomes 'no hablen'.
Examples
Tú: No hables tan rápido.
Usted: No hable con extraños.
Nosotros: No hablemos de eso ahora.
Irregular Verbs in the Imperative
Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative mood. These do not follow the usual rules, so it's important to memorize them.
Important Points
Tú form of 'decir' is 'di'.
Tú form of 'hacer' is 'haz'.
Tú form of 'ir' is 've'.
Tú form of 'poner' is 'pon'.
Tú form of 'salir' is 'sal'.
Tú form of 'ser' is 'sé'.
Tú form of 'tener' is 'ten'.
Tú form of 'venir' is 'ven'.
Examples
Di la verdad.
Haz tu tarea.
Ve a la tienda.
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