The Imperative in French

The imperative is used to give commands, instructions, advice, or invitations in French.

• No subject pronoun (tu, nous, vous)
• Only three forms are used: tu, nous, vous
• The verb comes at the beginning of the sentence

Imperative Forms

The imperative is formed using the present tense, with some adjustments.

Using the Imperative Politely

The imperative can sound strong, but politeness can be added using expressions like:

Imperative with Object Pronouns

Pronoun placement changes depending on whether the command is affirmative or negative.

Core Rules of the Imperative

French imperatives follow three essential rules:

Negative Imperative

To form a negative command, place ne before the verb and pas after it.

Common Mistakes

• Using a subject pronoun
• Forgetting hyphens with pronouns
• Using the wrong pronoun form (me instead of moi)
• Mixing affirmative and negative pronoun order

• S’il te plaît
• S’il vous plaît
• Veuillez + infinitive

Reflexive Verbs in the Imperative

Reflexive pronouns change form in affirmative imperatives.

What Is the Imperative?

The imperative is a verb form used to tell someone to do something or not to do something. It is direct and does not use a subject pronoun.

• Fermez la porte, s’il vous plaît.
• Veuillez patienter.

Example Sentences

• Ne parle pas !
• Ne faisons pas ça.
• Ne soyez pas en retard.

• Lève-toi !
• Habillons-nous !
• Ne te dépêche pas.
• Ne vous inquiétez pas.

Irregular Imperative Forms

• In negative imperatives, pronouns return to their normal position before the verb.

• In affirmative imperatives, pronouns come after the verb and are connected with hyphens.

• Ne me le donne pas.
• Ne lui parle pas.
• N’en prends pas.

• Donne-le-moi !
• Parlez-lui !
• Envoie-en deux !