How do I revise Grammar – AS Level: Commands for WJEC A-Level?

In written tasks, vary command forms (tu, vous, nous) to address different audiences appropriately.

What exam tips are there for Grammar – AS Level: Commands? (2)

When translating commands from English to French, identify the subject (you singular/plural) to choose tu or vous form.

What exam tips are there for Grammar – AS Level: Commands? (3)

Practice rewriting affirmative commands as negative commands, paying close attention to pronoun placement.

What mistakes should I avoid in Grammar – AS Level: Commands?

Confusing the tu form of -er verbs: retaining the -s (e.g., writing 'Parles!').

What are common errors in Grammar – AS Level: Commands exams? (2)

Incorrectly placing the pronoun before the verb in affirmative commands (e.g., 'Le donne!' instead of 'Donne-le!') or hyphenating in negative commands (e.g., 'Ne donne-le pas!').

Grammar – AS Level: Commands

WJEC

A-Level

The imperative mood is used to give commands, instructions, or make requests in French. At AS Level, students must master the formation of the imperative for regular -er, -ir, -re verbs as well as key irregular verbs (être, avoir, savoir, vouloir). Understanding the placement of object pronouns (including direct, indirect, and reflexive) in affirmative and negative commands is essential for accurate and idiomatic expression.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

In French grammar, commands (l'impératif) are used to give orders, instructions, advice, or requests. At AS Level (WJEC), you need to master the imperative forms for regular and common irregular verbs in the tu, nous, and vous forms. The imperative is formed by taking the present tense conjugation of the verb and dropping the subject pronoun. For -er verbs, the tu form loses the final -s (e.g., 'parle' instead of 'parles'), except when followed by 'y' or 'en' (e.g., 'parles-en'). Understanding commands is essential for everyday communication and for writing instructions, recipes, or giving directions in your exam.

The imperative is a key grammatical structure that appears in both the oral and written components of the WJEC A-Level French exam. You may be asked to transform sentences into commands, use them in role-plays, or identify them in reading passages. Mastering commands also helps with other topics like giving advice (using 'il faut' + infinitive) or expressing wishes. A solid grasp of the imperative will improve your fluency and accuracy, especially in the speaking test where you might need to give instructions or persuade someone.

Commands are not just about grammar rules; they reflect cultural nuances. In French, the choice between 'tu' and 'vous' in commands is crucial for politeness and formality. For example, 'Ferme la porte' (tu, informal) vs. 'Fermez la porte' (vous, formal/plural). At AS Level, you should be able to use both registers appropriately. Additionally, reflexive verbs in the imperative require the reflexive pronoun to be placed after the verb and attached with a hyphen (e.g., 'Lève-toi'). This topic builds on your knowledge of present tense conjugations and pronoun placement.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for correctly conjugating regular -er verbs, dropping the -s in the tu form (e.g., 'Parle!' not 'Parles!').
In negative commands, credit for placing ne before the verb and pas after (e.g., 'Ne parle pas!').
For reflexive verbs, credit for correct reflexive pronoun placement in affirmative commands (e.g., 'Lève-toi!') and negative commands ('Ne te lève pas!').
Award credit for using the correct imperative forms of irregular verbs like 'être' (sois, soyons, soyez), 'avoir' (aie, ayons, ayez).
When using object pronouns with affirmative commands, credit for linking with hyphens and correct word order (e.g., 'Donne-le-moi!').
In written tasks, credit for appropriate and consistent use of imperative to meet task requirements (e.g., giving instructions, advice).

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for correctly conjugating regular -er verbs, dropping the -s in the tu form (e.g., 'Parle!' not 'Parles!').
In negative commands, credit for placing ne before the verb and pas after (e.g., 'Ne parle pas!').
For reflexive verbs, credit for correct reflexive pronoun placement in affirmative commands (e.g., 'Lève-toi!') and negative commands ('Ne te lève pas!').
Award credit for using the correct imperative forms of irregular verbs like 'être' (sois, soyons, soyez), 'avoir' (aie, ayons, ayez).
When using object pronouns with affirmative commands, credit for linking with hyphens and correct word order (e.g., 'Donne-le-moi!').
In written tasks, credit for appropriate and consistent use of imperative to meet task requirements (e.g., giving instructions, advice).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In written tasks, vary command forms (tu, vous, nous) to address different audiences appropriately.
💡When translating commands from English to French, identify the subject (you singular/plural) to choose tu or vous form.
💡Practice rewriting affirmative commands as negative commands, paying close attention to pronoun placement.
💡For speaking assessments, drill common command phrases with pronouns (e.g., 'Donne-m'en!') to sound more natural.
💡Check for liaison and elision in commands: e.g., 'Vas-y!' (s becomes z) and 'Donne-t'en!' (with -t-).
💡In essays that require giving advice, use the nous form for inclusive suggestions ('Allons-y!').

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the tu form of -er verbs: retaining the -s (e.g., writing 'Parles!').
Incorrectly placing the pronoun before the verb in affirmative commands (e.g., 'Le donne!' instead of 'Donne-le!') or hyphenating in negative commands (e.g., 'Ne donne-le pas!').
Forgetting to change the reflexive pronoun position in negative commands, producing errors like 'Ne lève-toi pas!' instead of 'Ne te lève pas!'.
Using the imperative form where the subjunctive is needed, e.g., after certain conjunctions like 'bien que'.
Overgeneralizing irregular imperative forms, e.g., using 'voullez' instead of 'veuillez' for vouloir.
Omitting the pronoun entirely in commands with verbs like être and avoir, causing ambiguity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

Grammar – AS Level: Commands

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

A2 Units

Grammar – AS Level: Commands

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I form the imperative in French?

What is the difference between 'tu' and 'vous' commands?

How do I use reflexive verbs in the imperative?

What are the irregular imperative forms I need to know for AS Level?

How do I use object pronouns with commands?

Can I use the imperative to give advice in French?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

A2 Units