Limpératif

Limpératif, or the imperative mood, is a grammatical category used to issue commands, requests, instructions, or prohibitions. It typically relies on verb forms that show who is addressed without requiring an explicit subject pronoun. In many languages, the imperative can also express inclusive or hortative meanings, such as “let’s go.”

Formation and forms vary across languages. In languages with explicit verb conjugations, the imperative often uses specialized endings or stems for second person singular and plural. Some languages distinguish affirmative and negative imperatives with distinct constructions or particles. For example, French offers parler au subjonctif? No; it has parle (tu), parlez (vous), parlons (nous) for affirmative imperatives and ne parle pas, ne parlez pas, ne parlons pas for negatives, with pronouns attaching in some phrases. Spanish provides hablo? No; it uses habla (tú), hable (usted), hablad (vosotros), hablen (ustedes), plus corresponding negative forms. English relies on the base verb for the imperative, as in “Sit down,” with “don't” used for negation and “let's” for the inclusive hortative.

Usage considerations include tone and politeness. The imperative is direct by default, which can be abrupt in formal or unfamiliar contexts; many languages mitigate this with formal pronouns, softened constructions, or adding “please.” Some languages use subjunctive or other moods in place of the imperative in polite requests or subordinate clauses. In contrast, other languages maintain a robust set of imperative forms for informal, formal, and plural addressees.

Cross-linguistic variation reflects social norms and syntactic patterns, but the core function remains consistent: to issue commands, requests, or prohibitions in a direct, actionable way.