O IMPERATIVO the imperative

The imperative is used for commands (as in English: "Give me that pen, please").

There are two command forms: one for a single person (você) and another for two or more people (vocês).

Ex.: Ricardo, estude! ('Richard, study!')

Crianças, estudem! ('Children, study!')

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TO FORM THE IMPERATIVE:

1) Remove the -o from the first person singular form of a present tense verb

2) If it is an -AR verb, add "E," if it is an -ER or -IR verb, add "A."

Ex.:

-AR verbs: Parar 1st. person present tense: Par-o Add "E": PAR-E

-ER verbs: Comer Com-o Add "A": COM-A

-IR verbs: Partir Part-o Add "A": PART-A

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TO MAKE THE PLURAL FORM OF THE IMPERATIVE

-Just add an "M" to the basic form.

Pare -> Parem Coma -> Comam Parta -> Partam

Ex.: Ricardo, estudE! escrevA! Crianças, estudEM! escrevAM!

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THE COLLOQUIAL IMPERATIVE

In Brazil it is very common to give commands or make requests with the third person singular of the present tense itself, instead of the imperative form.

Thus, you may hear: PARE or PARA; COMA or COME; PARTA or PARTE

Ex.: Joana, passa o pão, por favor. 'Joana', pass the bread, please.'

Apaga a luz! 'Turn off the light!'

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MAKING REQUESTS x GIVING COMMANDS:

For both actions you may use the imperative. Differently from English, it is not impolite to use the imperative (or the present tense) to make requests. Most of the time it is followed by POR FAVOR, 'please,' and if it is not, the intonation plays an important role in distinguishing a command from a request.

Listen to native speakers and pay close attention to their intonations.

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SINAIS DE TRÂNSITO e AVISOS

PUXE (pull) EMPURRE (push) PARE (stop)

PARE OLHE ESCUTE	'stop, look, listen,' used at unguarded railway crossings
APERTE O CINTO	'fasten seat belts'
É PROIBIDO FUMAR	'no smoking'
É PROIBIDO ENTRAR	'no admittance'
É PROIBIDO ESTACIONAR	'no parking'
BATA	'knock'
TOQUE A CAMPAINHA	'ring the bell'
DESVIO	'detour'
CUIDADO	'caution'
CONSERVE A SUA DIREITA	'keep to the right'
VIRE À ESQUERDA	'turn left'