La+forme+imperative+d’être

What is the imperative and why do we use it?
The imperative, called l'impératif in French, is a verb mood which is used to
 * give an order
 * express a desire
 * make a request
 * offer advice
 * recommend something

Unlike all other French verb tenses and personal moods, **the subject pronoun (tu, vous, nous) is not used with the imperative.**

Some examples that you are already familiar with are: Fermez la porte. //Close the door//. Donne-moi une limonade, s'il te plaît. //Give me a lemonade, please.// Écoutez le modèle. //Listen to the model.// The above are called "**affirmative commands**," because they are telling someone to do something.

"**Negative commands**," which tell someone not to do something, are made by placing ne in front of the verb and pas after the verb: Ne parle pas ! //Don't speak!// <span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;">N'oublions pas les livres. //Let's not forget the books.//

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">How do we conjugate verbs in the imperative form?
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">There are only three grammatical persons that can be used in the imperative: tu, nous, and vous. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Most of the conjugations are the same as the present tense - <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**the only difference is that the subject pronoun is not used in the imperative**.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;">Later in the year, we will practice using all of the verbs that you know in the imperative form.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;">For now, we will focus on the **imperative form of être.** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;">This form, like ALL other conjugations of être, is completely irregular**.** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;">**YOU MUST MEMORIZE THIS CHART** to be able to use this verb in this form**.** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; text-align: center;"> être -to be (tu) **sois** (nous) **soyons** (vous) **soyez**

Examples of this form in use:


 * Sois** poli**!** //Be polite!//
 * Soyons** à l’heure. //Let's be on time.//
 * Soyez** sincère. //Be genuine.//


 * Ne sois pas** égoïste! //Don't be selfish!//
 * Ne** **soyons pas** en retard! //Let's not be late!//
 * Ne** **soyez pas** malhonnête. //Don't be dishonnest.//