English grammar
Imperatives: just the base verb
Give simple instructions using imperatives.
From the scene Cut the bread
In short
To tell someone what to do, use the plain verb with no subject: cut the bread. For no, use don't + verb.
Your turn
Which one goes with an instruction?
Options: add salt · open that tin · cut the bread (not "you cut")
Show answer
an instruction → open that tin
How it works
To tell someone what to do, use the plain verb with no subject: cut the bread, open that tin, add salt. Not "you cut" or "cuts".
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Yes. And (blank) the filling well.
Clue: command to Javi
Options: mixing · mix · mixes
Show answer
Yes. And mix the filling well.
Sí. Y mezcla bien el relleno.
Good to know
For "no …", use don't + verb: "Don't do it like that", never "No do it" or "Not cut".
plain verb, no subject cut the bread (not "you cut")
Nuria
She says: cut the bread, please.
Dice: corta el pan, por favor.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
She says: (blank), please.
Options: cut the bread · open that tin · add salt
Show answer
Nuria
She says: cut the bread, please.
Dice: corta el pan, por favor.
an instruction open that tin
Nuria
Now, open that tin.
Ahora, abre esa lata.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Now, (blank).
Options: open that tin · cut the bread · add salt
Show answer
Nuria
Now, open that tin.
Ahora, abre esa lata.
another instruction add salt
Nuria
Yes. And add salt, please.
Sí. Y echa sal, por favor.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes. And (blank), please.
Options: add salt · cut the bread · open that tin
Show answer
Nuria
Yes. And add salt, please.
Sí. Y echa sal, por favor.
negative: don't + verb don't do it like that (not "no do")
Your turn
What goes with don't do it like that (not "no do")?
Options: negative: don't + verb · plain verb, no subject · an instruction
Show answer
don't do it like that (not "no do") → negative: don't + verb
Common mistake
Not cuts or you cut here. Command to Javi.
She says: cut the bread, please.
Dice: corta el pan, por favor.
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
| plain verb, no subject | cut the bread (not "you cut") |
|---|---|
| an instruction | open that tin |
| another instruction | add salt |
| negative: don't + verb | don't do it like that (not "no do") |
More lines from the story
- NuriaYes. And mix the filling well.Sí. Y mezcla bien el relleno.
- NuriaShe's watching TV.Mira la tele.
- JaviOK, what do I do?Vale, ¿qué hago?