English grammar
Imperatives for directions
Give and follow simple directions with imperatives.
From the scene Cross the square
In short
Give directions with the plain verb: cross the square, go up that street. As far as says where to stop.
Your turn
Which one goes with go up?
Options: cross the square · go down the street on the left · go up that street
Show answer
go up → go up that street
How it works
Directions use the imperative: the plain verb with no subject: cross the square, go up that street, keep going.
Good to know
You'll also hear you cross…, then you go…, but never crossing or to cross.
Good to know
As far as says where to stop: keep going as far as the cathedral. Until is for time: until six.
cross cross the square
Javi
Easy. First, cross the square.
Fácil. Primero, cruza la plaza.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Easy. First, (blank).
Options: cross the square · go up that street · go down the street on the left
Show answer
Javi
Easy. First, cross the square.
Fácil. Primero, cruza la plaza.
go up go up that street
Javi
Yes, cross and then go up that street.
Sí, cruza y luego sube esa calle.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes, cross and then (blank).
Options: go up that street · cross the square · go down the street on the left
Show answer
Javi
Yes, cross and then go up that street.
Sí, cruza y luego sube esa calle.
go down go down the street on the left
Javi
It's easy. Then go down the street on the left.
Es fácil. Luego baja por la calle de la izquierda.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's easy. Then (blank).
Options: go up that street · go down the street on the left · cross the square
Show answer
Javi
It's easy. Then go down the street on the left.
Es fácil. Luego baja por la calle de la izquierda.
where to stop as far as the cathedral (not "until")
Javi
Totally sure. Then keep going as far as the cathedral.
Segurísimo. Después, sigue hasta la catedral.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Totally sure. Then keep going (blank).
Options: cross the square · go up that street · as far as the cathedral
Show answer
Javi
Totally sure. Then keep going as far as the cathedral.
Segurísimo. Después, sigue hasta la catedral.
a time to stop until six
Common mistake
Not crossing or to cross here. An instruction, like first, turn left.
Easy. First, cross the square.
Fácil. Primero, cruza la plaza.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| cross | cross the square |
|---|---|
| go up | go up that street |
| go down | go down the street on the left |
| where to stop | as far as the cathedral (not "until") |
| a time to stop | until six |
More lines from the story
- JaviSure... I got here yesterday, like you.Claro... Llegué ayer, como ustedes.
- NuriaJavi, which way do we go to the cathedral?Javi, ¿por dónde vamos a la catedral?