< Index

Imperatives

Imperatives (also called "commands") have two basic forms: formal and informal. As a rough rule of thumb, the formal forms are usually based on the present subjunctive, while the informal forms are usually based on the present indicative. The placement of object pronouns with regard to imperatives is quite specific and should be studied carefully.

Formal Commands

Formal commands, both affirmative and negative, are expressed in the present subjunctive. The implied or expressed subject of the command is usually you, in this case usted or ustedes. The subject pronoun is used either for emphasis or clarity. Otherwise, it is often omitted.

Another subjunctive form of the command is the first person singular form that corresponds to the English "Let's..." as in "Let's begin now."*

* An alternate and very commonly used form of the first person plural command is the "Vamos a + infinitive" construction. Vamos a llamar a los amigos means either "Let's call our friends" or "We are going to call our friends." The exact meaning derives from the context of the sentence. If one wishes to express the same first person command in the negative, this alternate construction is not allowed. In this case one must use the negative subjunctive form: No llamemos a los amigos.

Informal Commands

Informal commands are expressed whenever the speaker is comfortable using the and/or vosotros/vosotras subject pronouns.

The form

The form of the command is both simple and complex. The affirmative regular forms are simply the third person singular of the present indicative. The negative forms of all imperatives, whether formal or informal, take a present subjunctive form.

There are a number of irregular informal commands. They are:

The "vosotros/vosotras" form

While the ustedes forms serve as both formal and informal commands throughout Latin America, in Spain the vosotros/vosotras form is often preferred. The formation of the second person plural command is as simple as it is unusual.

To make the affirmative informal second personal plural command, drop the final -r from the infinitive and add -d. To make the negative form, simply use the present subjunctive form. A good rule of thumb is to use the present subjunctive in all negative commands, whether formal or informal.

Infinitive –> Less "r" –> Affirmative/Negative Commands

Almorzar –> Almorza- –> Almorzad / No almorcéis.

Tener –> Tene- –> Tened / No tengáis.

Ir –> I- –> Id / No vayáis.

See also

Object pronouns
Present subjunctive
Verbs