Imperative with Pronouns

The imperative is the "command mode." You drop the subject pronoun. You don't say tu, nous, or vous. You just use the verb. But what if there is an object? You don't want to repeat le livre. You want to say le. This is where the pronouns jump in. Their position changes based on one thing. Is the command positive or negative? This determines the whole structure. It is like a dance routine. You just need to learn the steps. Even native speakers mess this up sometimes. Don't worry if it feels weird at first.

1. 1For positive commands, the verb comes first.
2. 2Add a hyphen after the verb.
3. 3Place the pronoun after the hyphen.
4. 4me becomes moi in positive commands.
5. 5te becomes toi in positive commands.
6. 6For negative commands, use ne and pas.
7. 7Place the pronoun before the verb.
8. 8The pronoun stays in its normal form (me, te).
9. 9If using two pronouns, follow the fixed order.
10. 10In positive commands: Verb - Direct - Indirect - y/en.
11. 11In negative commands: Ne - normal order - Verb - Pas.

Use it when ordering food at a bistro. Tell the waiter: Donnez-le-moi. Use it when giving directions to a friend. Tell them: Vas-y to say "go there." It is perfect for job interviews too. You might hear: Asseyez-vous. It works well for recipes. Mélangez-les means "mix them." Use it when you are in a rush. It saves time and breath. It makes your French feel fluid and sharp. Use it for quick warnings like Arrête-toi.

Do not use it if you want to be very formal. Sometimes a question is softer. Instead of Faites-le, try Pourriez-vous le faire?. Avoid it if the person is a total stranger. It can sound a bit bossy. Don't use it for long, complex explanations. If you have five objects, keep the nouns. Too many pronouns can confuse people. Pronouns are like salt. A little bit is great. Too much ruins the dish.

Forgetting the hyphen is a classic error. Always write Regarde-moi, never Regarde moi. Another trap is the s in -er verbs. Usually, you drop the s for tu. But you keep it before y or en. Say Vas-y, not Va-y. It sounds better for the ears. Mixing up moi and me is common. Remember: moi is for positive vibes only. Don't say Ne me donne pas moi. That is a grammar car crash. Stick to the rules and stay safe.

Compare the imperative to the present tense. In the present, we say Tu me parles. The pronoun is always before the verb. In the positive imperative, it flips. Parle-moi puts the pronoun last. The negative imperative is different. It looks like the present tense. Ne me parle pas keeps the pronoun first. It is a bit of a split personality. Positive commands look one way. Negative commands look another way. Think of it as the grammar "Upside Down."