Description
Learn the French imperative with positive and negative commands. Master A2 grammar with clear examples for TEF Canada.
Introduction: Giving Instructions in French
At A2 (50%), you must not only speak — you must guide and instruct.
This is where the French imperative A2 becomes essential.
You use it to:
- give directions
- give instructions
- give advice
- tell someone what to do
Mastering the French imperative A2 will help you:
- succeed in TEF Canada role-plays
- speak clearly in real situations
- sound natural and confident
What Is the French Imperative?
The imperative is used to:
give orders, instructions, or advice
Examples
- Allez tout droit → Go straight
- Prenez le bus → Take the bus
There is no subject (no “tu”, “vous”).
1. Structure of the Imperative (VERY IMPORTANT)
Rule
verb only (no subject)
Examples
- Tu vas → Va
- Vous allez → Allez
The subject disappears.
2. The 3 Forms You Need (A2 Level)
You only use:
- tu
- nous
- vous
Example with “aller”
- (tu) Va
- (nous) Allons
- (vous) Allez
Most common in TEF: vous form
3. Positive Imperative
Examples
- Allez tout droit
- Tournez à gauche
- Prenez le bus
Used for instructions and directions.
4. Negative Imperative
Rule
ne + verb + pas
Examples
- Ne tournez pas à gauche
- Ne prenez pas le bus
- N’oubliez pas le ticket
Structure is similar to negation.
5. Important Grammar Rule
No Subject
(incorrect) Tu allez tout droit
(correct) Allez tout droit
Present Tense Form
Imperative uses present tense forms, without subject.
6. Using Imperative in Real Situations
A. Directions
- Allez tout droit
- Tournez à droite
B. Instructions
- Prenez le métro
- Attendez ici
C. Advice
- Travaillez bien
- Étudiez régulièrement
Very common in daily communication.
7. Building Better A2 Instructions
Basic
- Tournez à gauche
Better
- Allez tout droit, puis tournez à gauche
A2 Level
- Allez tout droit, puis tournez à gauche. Prenez le bus.
Combine instructions logically.
8. Common Mistakes in French Imperative
Errors
- Tu tournez
- Ne tournez pas à gauche (missing structure)
Correct Forms
- Tournez
- Ne tournez pas à gauche
Always remove subject.
9. TEF Canada Strategy (Exam Focus)
In TEF Canada, French imperative A2 is used in:
- directions tasks
- role-play situations
- real-life communication
What the examiner checks
- correct verb form
- clarity
- logical sequence
High-Scoring Example
- Allez tout droit, puis tournez à droite
- Ne prenez pas cette rue
Clear + logical = strong score
10. Practice (A2 Level)
Exercise 1
Transform to negative:
- Tournez à droite → __________
- Prenez le métro → __________
Exercise 2
Write 2 instructions:
- one with “allez”
- one with “prenez”
Exercise 3
Correct:
- Tu allez tout droit
- Ne tournez à gauche
11. Mini TEF Speaking Task
Situation: Give directions
Model Answer
Allez tout droit, puis tournez à droite.
Ne prenez pas cette rue.
Continue Learning French
After mastering the French imperative A2, you can now:
FAQ
What is the French imperative?
A verb form used for commands and instructions.
Do you use subject pronouns?
No, the subject is removed.
How do you make it negative?
Ne + verb + pas.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. Very common in speaking tasks.
Final Tip
To master the French imperative A2, remember:
- no subject
- use present tense form
- be clear and direct
This is practical French.
