5.2 Commands (The Imperative)

Giving commands

Commands tell someone to do something. Informal tú affirmative commands use the él/ella present form: '¡Habla!' (Speak!), '¡Come!' (Eat!), '¡Escribe!' (Write!).

Formal and negative

Formal usted commands and all negative commands use the subjunctive form: 'Hable usted,' 'No hables,' 'No coma.' Formal is more polite or for strangers.

Irregular tú commands

Eight irregular affirmative tú commands: di (say), haz (do), ve (go), pon (put), sal (leave), sé (be), ten (have), ven (come).

Key terms

Affirmative tú command

Uses the él/ella form: ¡Habla! ¡Come!

Negative command

Uses subjunctive: No hables, No comas

Formal usted command

Uses subjunctive: Hable, Coma

8 irregular tú commands

di, haz, ve, pon, sal, sé, ten, ven

Purpose

The imperative gives orders, advice, or instructions

Try an AP-style question

The affirmative tú command of "hacer" is…

1. hagas
2. haga
3. haz
4. hace