What is the imperative mood

We start a new lesson from a TEACHER so that everyone knows what is imperative mood with examples so that the specifications that we can find are very clear. Remember that in the Spanish language we find three modes, which are the indicative mood, the subjunctive mood and the imperative mood. The first is used to indicate real people and acts, either in the past, present or future. However, the second is generally used to express wishes and hypotheses, while the third, which concerns us here, is used to give orders. These last two may have certain similarities. If you want to know more about this topic, do not miss every detail, because we started!

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Index

1. The imperative mood: easy definition
2. Characteristics of the imperative mood
3. Matches between the imperative and subjunctive mood
4. Frequent mistakes in the use of the imperative

As usual, we have to start the lesson knowing exactly what the imperative mood is. In this case, we speak in a verbal way that is used to

Interestingly, the imperative does not have its own forms, only the second person singular and plural they contain them, that is, you and you. In all other people, the subjunctive mood is always used.

Let's see an example with a regular verb in positive and negative imperative:

• I - I fish - I don't fish.
• You - fishing - don't fish.
• You - fish - don't fish.
• He - fishing - not fishing.
• We - we fish - we don't fish.
• You - fish - don't fish.
• They - fish - don't fish.

Let's also see some uses and examples with imperative statements:

• Take it easy! You are about to arrive.
• Grab your pencils and start painting right now.
• Shut up! This is not the time to discuss that matter.
• Sit down now! The class is about to begin.
• Silence that person! You are disturbing the rest of the public.

We already know what the imperative mood is and we have seen several examples of its most common uses. But there are still certain characteristics that it is important to know to be clear how to use this verb mode:

• These orders are to be manifested when there is a sender and a receiver that coincide in the same present tense. That is, this temporal aspect is important, since orders cannot be given in the past or future tense. Sit down now! - Get up that ladder! - Drink the juice, it will lose all its vitamins!
• The imperative conjugation seeks a very clear objective, produce a certain reaction in the receptor. That is, a person is causing another to act in a certain way according to her interests. Paco, don't speak so loud! The person issuing the phrase intends for Paco to lower his voice and speak in a less elevated tone.

As we said earlier, the imperative and subjunctive moods have certain similarities. A very important one is that the imperative only conjugates the second person plural and singular, as we have commented. In other people, it coincides with the subjunctive. Get up those stairs! It can show an order, it could also be implying a wish or need.

There are also cases where subjunctive verbs are used in imperative sentences. In fact, there are three main cases:

• First person plural: the first person of the subjunctive uses verbs as imperatives, expressing requests or wishes. Let's go back to where we came from - Let's walk a little faster.
• To express kind requests, not orders: You do not want to express an order harshly, so you use this kind request that is conjugated in the third person of the present subjunctive: Please don't raise your voice so much. Although it has a certain imperative character, it is used in the form of a prayer.
• To express negative orders: they are negative orders, that is, when you want someone to stop doing something, for example: Do not go further down that street - Do not go near that place under any circumstances.

Many people tend to fall into a common mistake in the imperative mood, and it is with the use of the infinitive instead of the verb in the necessary mood, that is, the imperative. For example, Speak lower! This use is incorrect, since the proper way to conjugate would be: Speak lower!

The use of the imperative character is evident, but conjugation is important. However, sometimes this conjugation is allowed when we refer to public posters, traffic signs, etc. A good example of this would be common signs that we usually see in hospitals, roads, etc., such as: Do not pass - Do not speak.

However, these are very particular circumstances that are only allowed in these cases, but never to speak or write in a specific context.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is the imperative mood - With examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Grammar and Linguistics.