Lecture Notes: Understanding the French Imperative (L'Impératif)

Introduction

• Welcome by Bob Dole from the French Institute.
• Focus of the video: Understanding the French imperative (l'impératif).
• The imperative is a mode used to give instructions, orders, or advice.

What is L'Impératif?

• L'Impératif is a mode, similar to the conditional or subjunctive in French.
• It is used for giving instructions or orders.
• The lesson focuses on the present tense of l'impératif.

Conjugation in L'Impératif

• Example verb: "parler" (to speak)
  • Indicative present: je parle, tu parles, il/elle parle, nous parlons, vous parlez, ils/elles parlent.
  • Imperative present: Only conjugated for three persons—second person singular (tu), first person plural (nous), and second person plural (vous).
    • tu parles → parle
    • nous parlons → parlons
    • vous parlez → parlez

Forming L'Impératif

• Formed using only "tu," "nous," and "vous."
• No subject is included in the sentence in imperative form.
• Regular verb endings:
  • For "er" verbs:
    • tu: -e (no "s" for "er" verbs in imperative)
    • nous: -ons
    • vous: -ez
  • For "ir" and "re" verbs:
    • tu: -s
    • nous: -ons
    • vous: -ez

Examples and Usage

• "Allons à la classe" (Let's go to the class)
• "Écoute ton professeur" (Listen to your professor)
• "Faites vos devoirs" (Finish your homework)

Using L'Impératif in Negative Form

• Negation: Place "ne" before and "pas" after the verb.
  • Example: "Ne fume pas" (Don't smoke)

Special Usage in "nous" Form

• Equivalent to saying "let's" in English.
  • Example: "Apprenons le français" (Let's learn French)

Important Notes

• L'Impératif cannot be used to give orders or suggestions in the first person singular or third person.
• Only applicable in "tu," "nous," and "vous" forms.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice using l'impératif.
• Reminder to like, share, and subscribe to the French Institute's channel for more learning opportunities.
• Happy learning French.