IMPERATIVES

IMPERATIVES

1. To use the imperative in English only one grammar rule must be learned. The verb must be used in infinitive but without the to for an affirmative order or with the auxiliary don’t if the order is negative.

2. Ejemplos

   • Be quiet = to be quiet = ¡Cállate!
   • Finish your plate = to finish = to verbe infinitif = Termina el plato
   • Don’t drink that, it’s toxic! = don’t + to verbe infinitif = No te lo bebas, ¡es tóxico!
   • Drive to the next corner and turn right = Conduce hasta la siguiente esquina y gira a la derecha

3. In English the imperative is not used as much as in Spanish. In general, it is used to give orders, instructions or warnings. The imperative phrases are constructed differently from the affirmative: a subject is not used because the subject is supposed to be always "you" and the main verb goes in the infinitive form.

4. El Imperativo Afirmativo

   • Verbo + nombre, adjetivo…
     • Do your homework! (¡Haz los deberes!)
     • Wash your hands! (¡Lavaros las manos!)
     • Tell me the truth!(¡Dime la verdad!)

5. El imperativo negativo

   • Verbo auxiliar (to do) + auxiliar negativo (not) + verbo + nombre, adjetivo…
     • Do not lie to me!(¡No me mientas!)
     • Do not wash in the washing machine.(No lo lave en la lavadora.)
     • Don’t hit your sister!(¡No le pegues a tu hermana!)