New
New
Collègues et amis : the imperative
I can use the imperative when talking to friends and in more formal situations to give instructions or advice.
New
New
Collègues et amis : the imperative
I can use the imperative when talking to friends and in more formal situations to give instructions or advice.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- The imperative is used to tell somebody to do something, give commands and advice.
- The imperative is the ‘tu’, ‘nous’ and ‘vous’ present tense verb; for -er verbs, it is the ‘tu’ form minus the -s.
- The subject pronoun is not used e.g. Parle ! Negative elements go around the imperative verb e.g. Ne parle pas !
- It is important to distinguish between informal (tu) and formal (vous) situations when using the imperative.
Keywords
Imperative - a mood used to tell somebody to do something or give instructions or commands
Common misconception
The subject pronoun is used with the verb to make an imperative.
Imperative instructions do not include the subject pronoun e.g. Écoute ! Écoutez !
The 'nous' form of the imperative is included in the explanation and quick check exercises. Teachers of foundation students could remove references to this form from the slide deck, if desired.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Mini whiteboards and pens would be useful if available.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Choose the correct translations in French for 'the boss'.
Choose the correct translations in French for 'the boss'.
l'employé
Q2.Select the correct translation of: let's see!
Select the correct translation of: let's see!
vois !
voyez !
Q3.How many forms of the imperative are there?
How many forms of the imperative are there?
Q4.What Sound Symbol Correspondence (SSC) is in the stem of the verb 'voir' when in the 'nous' and 'vous' forms of the present tense?
What Sound Symbol Correspondence (SSC) is in the stem of the verb 'voir' when in the 'nous' and 'vous' forms of the present tense?
Q5.Match the vocabulary together.
Match the vocabulary together.
clearly
completely
unfortunately
apparently
differently
particularly
Q6.Select the descriptions that match the job: le chef
Select the descriptions that match the job: le chef
n'a pas beaucoup de responsabilité
travaille pour une autre personne
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: The is not included when using the imperative.
Complete the sentence: The is not included when using the imperative.
Q2.Which verbs are in the 'tu' form of the imperative?
Which verbs are in the 'tu' form of the imperative?
Regardons !
Discutez !
Q3.Which verb is in the 'vous' form of the imperative? Choisis ! Choisissons ! Choisissez !
Which verb is in the 'vous' form of the imperative? Choisis ! Choisissons ! Choisissez !
Q4.Who would you use the 'tu' form of the imperative with?
Who would you use the 'tu' form of the imperative with?
your colleague
your boss
Your son and daughter
Q5.Translate the phrase: Don't speak to my boss!
Translate the phrase: Don't speak to my boss!
Q6.Match the French and English vocabulary together.
Match the French and English vocabulary together.
unemployment
single, unmarried
lively
only
to admit to, confess to
flower