Italian imperative sentences are a fundamental part of the Italian language, allowing speakers to give commands, make requests, provide instructions, or express strong suggestions. They are used to convey direct and concise messages to others. In this guide, we will explore the structure, usage, and formation of Italian imperative sentences, along with providing examples to help beginners understand this important grammatical aspect.
I. Structure of Italian Imperative Sentences:
Italian imperative sentences consist of a single verb form and are often characterized by their brevity. Unlike other sentence types, the subject pronoun is generally omitted in the imperative form, as it is implied by the verb ending. The structure of Italian imperative sentences can be categorized into three main groups based on the verb tense: present, past, and future.
A. Present Imperative:
The present imperative is used for immediate commands or requests in the present tense. To form the present imperative, simply remove the final -re, -ere, or -ire of the infinitive verb and add the appropriate ending for each person. Here are some examples:
Parlare (to speak):
Parla! (Speak!) [Informal singular]
Parli! (Speak!) [Formal singular]
Parlate! (Speak!) [Informal plural]
Parlino! (Speak!) [Formal plural]
Mangiare (to eat):
Mangia! (Eat!) [Informal singular]
Mangi! (Eat!) [Formal singular]
Mangiate! (Eat!) [Informal plural]
Mangino! (Eat!) [Formal plural]
B. Past Imperative:
The past imperative is used to give commands or make requests in the past tense. It is formed using the imperative form of the auxiliary verb “avere” (to have) or “essere” (to be), followed by the past participle of the main verb. Here are a couple of examples:
Avere (to have):
Abbi finito! (Have finished!) [Informal singular]
Abbiate finito! (Have finished!) [Informal plural]
Essere (to be):
Sii stato/a! (Have been!) [Informal singular]
Siate stati/e! (Have been!) [Informal plural]
C. Future Imperative:
The future imperative is used for commands or requests in the future tense. It is formed using the present subjunctive of the verb “andare” (to go), followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. Here’s an example:
Andare (to go):
Vai a studiare! (Go study!) [Informal singular]
Andate a studiare! (Go study!) [Informal plural]
II. Usage of Italian Imperative Sentences:
Italian imperative sentences are used in various contexts to express different intentions. Let’s explore the common ways imperative sentences are used:
A. Commands:
Imperative sentences are often used to give direct commands or orders. They are characterized by their assertiveness and lack of subject pronouns. For instance:
Prendi quella penna! (Take that pen!) [Informal singular]
Prendano il loro tempo! (Take your time!) [Formal plural]
B. Requests:
Imperative sentences can also be employed to make polite requests. Although they may appear forceful, they are softened by using appropriate words or expressions. Examples include:
Per favore, ascolta attentamente. (Please, listen carefully.)
Gentilmente, chiudi la porta. (Kindly, close the door.)
C. Instructions:
Imperative sentences are commonly used to provide instructions or guidance. They are concise and focus on the necessary actions. For instance:
Mescola gli ingredienti insieme. (Mix the ingredients together.)
Apri il libro alla pagina 23. (Open the book to page 23.)
D. Suggestions:
Imperative sentences can express strong suggestions or advice, encouraging someone to take a specific action. Examples include:
Vai al cinema, ti divertirai! (Go to the cinema, you’ll enjoy yourself!)
Prova questa torta, è deliziosa! (Try this cake, it’s delicious!)
III. Important Considerations:
A. Reflexive Verbs:
When using reflexive verbs in imperative sentences, the reflexive pronouns must be attached to the end of the verb. For example:
Lavati le mani. (Wash your hands.)
Svegliati presto. (Wake up early.)
B. Negative Imperative:
To form negative imperative sentences, the word “non” is placed before the verb. Here are some examples:
Non mangiare troppo. (Don’t eat too much.)
Non parlare così forte. (Don’t speak so loudly.)
C. Irregular Verbs:
Some verbs have irregular forms in the imperative tense. It is important to learn these irregularities and practice their usage. For example:
Fare (to do/make):
Fai attenzione! (Pay attention!) [Informal singular]
Fate attenzione! (Pay attention!) [Informal plural]
Venire (to come):
Vieni qui! (Come here!) [Informal singular]
Venite qui! (Come here!) [Informal plural]
Conclusion:
Italian imperative sentences play a crucial role in communication, allowing speakers to give commands, make requests, provide instructions, and express strong suggestions. By understanding the structure and usage of imperative sentences, beginners can start incorporating them into their Italian language skills. Remember to practice forming different imperative sentences and familiarize yourself with irregularities and exceptions to become more proficient in using them effectively.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1: Present Imperative
Choose the correct present imperative form of the verb in parentheses.
(Parlare)
a) Parlate!
b) Parlano!
c) Parlami!
Answer: a) Parlate!
Explanation: The correct present imperative form of “parlare” (to speak) for the informal plural is “Parlate!”.
Example Sentence: Parlate più lentamente. (Speak more slowly.)
Exercise 2: Past Imperative
Select the appropriate past imperative form of the verb in brackets.
Avere pazienza!
a) Abbiamo
b) Abbia
c) Abbi
Answer: c) Abbi
Explanation: The correct past imperative form of “avere” (to have) for the informal singular is “Abbi”.
Example Sentence: Abbi fiducia in te stesso. (Have confidence in yourself.)
Exercise 3: Future Imperative
Choose the correct future imperative form of the verb in parentheses.
(Andare) via da qui!
a) Andate
b) Vai
c) Vada
Answer: b) Vai
Explanation: The correct future imperative form of “andare” (to go) for the informal singular is “Vai”.
Example Sentence: Vai a fare una passeggiata. (Go for a walk.)
Exercise 4: Negative Imperative
Form a negative imperative sentence using the given verb.
(Mangiare)
a) Non mangiare!
b) Mangia!
c) Non mangi!
Answer: a) Non mangiare!
Explanation: The correct negative imperative form of “mangiare” (to eat) is “Non mangiare!”.
Example Sentence: Non mangiare troppo cioccolato. (Don’t eat too much chocolate.)
Exercise 5: Reflexive Imperative
Choose the correct reflexive imperative form of the verb in parentheses.
(Lavarsi)
a) Lavati!
b) Lavate!
c) Lavarsi!
Answer: a) Lavati!
Explanation: The correct reflexive imperative form of “lavarsi” (to wash oneself) for the informal singular is “Lavati!”.
Example Sentence: Lavati i denti prima di andare a letto. (Brush your teeth before going to bed.)
Exercise 6: Irregular Imperative
Identify the correct imperative form of the irregular verb.
(Fare) attenzione!
a) Fai
b) Farete
c) Fate
Answer: c) Fate
Explanation: The correct imperative form of the irregular verb “fare” (to do/make) for the informal plural is “Fate”.
Example Sentence: Fate la spesa prima di cena. (Do the grocery shopping before dinner.)
Exercise 7: Polite Request
Select the appropriate imperative form for making a polite request.
(Ascoltare)
a) Ascolti!
b) Ascolta!
c) Ascoltate!
Answer: b) Ascolta!
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “ascoltare” (to listen) for the informal singular is “Ascolta!”.
Example Sentence: Ascolta questa canzone, è molto bella. (Listen to this song, it’s very beautiful.)
Exercise 8: Instruction
Choose the imperative form for giving an instruction.
(Scrivere)
a) Scrivono!
b) Scrivi!
c) Scrivete!
Answer: b) Scrivi!
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “scrivere” (to write) for the informal singular is “Scrivi!”.
Example Sentence: Scrivi il tuo nome sulla linea. (Write your name on the line.)
Exercise 9: Strong Suggestion
Select the imperative form for expressing a strong suggestion.
(Provare)
a) Prova!
b) Provi!
c) Proviamo!
Answer: a) Prova!
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “provare” (to try) for the informal singular is “Prova!”.
Example Sentence: Prova questa pizza, è deliziosa. (Try this pizza, it’s delicious.)
Exercise 10: Formal Command
Choose the imperative form for giving a formal command.
(Venire) qui!
a) Venga!
b) Vieni!
c) Venite!
Answer: a) Venga!
Explanation: The correct imperative form of “venire” (to come) for the formal singular is “Venga!”.
Example Sentence: Venga qui, per favore. (Come here, please.)
In each exercise, the correct answer is provided along with an explanation. Additionally, an example sentence is given to illustrate the usage of the imperative form in context. This helps learners understand the correct formation and application of Italian imperative sentences.
Originally posted 2023-07-19 00:46:38.