Level A1Verbs & TensesEaquals/CIEP A1

Tu / vous imperative

Telling someone to do it

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Telling someone to do it

Affirmative tu commands for -er verbs drop the -s: Parle ! Vous keeps -ez: Parlez ! Common irregulars: va, fais, viens.

Notice the contrast:Tu parlesParle

Examples in context

Read the examples and compare their English meanings.

Regular -er command (Tu)

Drop the s for tu.

Parle plus lentement !

Speak more slowly!

Polite command (Vous)

Keep the ez for vous.

Écoutez le professeur.

Listen to the teacher.

Common irregular

Irregular verbs have special forms.

Viens ici, s'il te plaît.

Come here, please.

Common mix-ups

Compare: Tu parles français !Use here: Parle français !

For a direct command to tu with regular -er verbs, omit tu and the final -s: parle. Tu parles is a statement.

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Ferme la fenêtre, s'il te plaît.

Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.

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