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Impératif négatif
Telling someone not to do something is called, logically enough, a negative command.
Par exemple…
N’avancez pas ! | Do not advance! | |
Ne parle pas si fort. | Don’t speak so loudly. | |
Ne soyons pas en retard. | Let’s not be late. |
Imperative conjugations
Word order
Word order with negative commands follows the same rules as virtually* all other verb tenses and moods:
- Ne precedes the verb and pas or another negative adverb follows it.
- Any object, reflexive, and adverbial pronouns go between ne and the verb.
Par exemple…
Ne le regarde pas. | Don’t look at him. | |
Ne nous en parlez jamais. | Don’t ever talk to us about that. |
What about when there are two pronouns, as in the second example? See Double pronoun order
* Affirmative commands are the only French verb form that requires a different word order.
Imperative Quizzes
Think you’ve got it? Test yourself on the French imperative with these fill-in-the-blanks exercises:
Conseils de prévention contre le coronavirus Recette de gel hydro-alcoolique Le règlement de la piscine
Note: You must be logged into your Progress with Lawless French account to take these tests. If you don’t have one, sign up – it’s free!
Related lessons
- Affirmative imperative
- Imperative conjugations
- Imperative lessons – PwLF super list
- Giving orders
- Negative adverbs
- Object pronouns
- Verb mood
French lesson plans
- Simon dit ! (Simon says!) (Lesson, 5th-8th grade)
En español
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