so i have this french test tomorrow on imparitive, and subjonctif. i have had a lot of trouble remembering them, and telling them apart. can anyone help!? that would be fantastic! thank you so much! its urgent!
Imperative (note spelling) means giving a command or an order. The subjunctive tense follows a conditional verb.
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Sorry that you posted this AFTER my bedtime! Next time plan ahead. If you don't leave it 'til the last minute and ask for what you need specifically, we will have time to help you! For example, if you need to know how to form them, please get back to us.
BTW you will notice that the question above yours has how you form the Present Subjunctive in the answer. Bonne chance!
Of course! I'd be happy to help you with understanding and differentiating between the imperative and subjunctive tenses in French. Here's an explanation of each tense and some tips on how to distinguish them:
1. Imperative:
The imperative tense is used to give commands, directions, or instructions. It is used to tell someone what to do or not to do. In French, the imperative is formed using the present tense forms of verbs, with some exceptions. There are three forms of the imperative: tu, nous, and vous.
For regular verbs:
- To form the tu imperative, simply take the present tense form of the verb and remove the final -s.
- For nous, use the present tense form of the verb.
- For vous, use the present tense form of the verb.
For example:
- Parler (to speak):
Parle (tu) - Speak
Parlons (nous) - Let's speak
Parlez (vous) - Speak (multiple people or formal)
2. Subjunctive:
The subjunctive tense, on the other hand, is used to express doubt, necessity, possibility, or desire. It follows certain expressions and verbs that indicate uncertainty or doubt. The subjunctive is formed differently depending on the verb group (-er, -ir, -re) and its conjugation.
For regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs:
- Take the present tense form of the verb.
- Remove the -ent ending.
- Add the appropriate endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
For example:
- Parler (to speak):
Que je parle - That I speak
Que tu parles - That you speak
Qu'il/elle/on parle - That he/she/we speak
Que nous parlions - That we speak
Que vous parliez - That you speak
Qu'ils/elles parlent - That they speak
To distinguish between the two tenses, remember that the imperative is used to give direct commands or instructions, while the subjunctive expresses doubt, necessity, or desire in a more indirect manner.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the difference between the imperative and subjunctive tenses in French. Good luck with your test!