Spanish: An Essential Grammar

The infinitive and the present and future tenses

The infinitive is increasingly common to express commands in the form of

notices and instructions, especially when they are negative. In Spain, it also

occurs commonly in speech to replace the plural imperative ending in -d

used with vosotros[SP]:

No escupir. No spitting.

Tachar la respuesta que no Cross out the incorrect

corresponda. answer.

Limpiaros [SP]los dientes Clean your teeth before going

antes de acostaros. to bed.

When preceded by a, the infinitive can sometimes fulfil the function of a

1st person plural command:

Y ahora muchachos, a trabajar.Now lads, let’s get to work.

The present tense is found to express somewhat curt commands which

some might find angry or rude (although they are common among friends):

Vas allá [LA]y les dices que no. You go there and tell them no.

Lo comes ahora, o te lo quito. Eat it now or I’ll take it away

from you.

The future tense is occasionally found to formulate authoritative and

dogmatic commands:

¡No lo abrirás hasta que no You won’t open it until I say

te lo diga! so!

Note: For the above use of noafter hasta que, see 24.3.1(d).

Impersonal commands

The 3rd person singular or plural of the subjunctive, with the reflexive

pronoun se, is a common means of writing formal instructions or direc-

tions:

Después de abrir la lata, guárdese en la nevera.

After opening the tin, keep in the fridge.

Pónganse las almendras en la [SP] sartén y déjense dorar.

Place the almonds in the frying pan and let them brown.

19.3.3

19.3.2^1111

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1011

1

12111

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

20111

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

30111

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

40

41111

19

Commands

208