Conjugation
CEFR A2
Imperative: second person singular
In the second person singular, first-group verbs and some verbs like "ouvrir" and "cueillir" take no final -s. A euphonic -s is added before "en" and "y" to ease the liaison.
Mange! (no -s). But: Manges-en! (-s before "en"). Va! But: Vas-y!
Examples
Mange ta soupe.
Key word(s): Mange
First group in the imperative: no final -s.
Vas-y !
Key word(s): Vas-y
An -s is added before "y" for the liaison.
Penses-y bien.
Key word(s): Penses-y
Euphonic -s before "y".
Ouvre la porte.
Key word(s): Ouvre
A verb like "ouvrir": no -s in the imperative.
Parle plus fort.
Key word(s): Parle
First group: no -s.
Common mistakes
- Adding an -s automatically ("manges ta soupe" instead of "mange ta soupe")
- Forgetting the -s before "en" and "y" ("va-y" instead of "vas-y")
- Confusing the imperative with the present indicative (tu manges is not mange!)
Test yourself
___ tes devoirs.
___ une part de gâteau.
___ de la salade.
Tips to remember
- Remember: -er verbs drop the -s in the imperative (mange, parle, chante).
- Second- and third-group verbs keep the -s (finis, prends, fais).
- Before "en" and "y", always add an -s: manges-en, vas-y, penses-y.
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