69.2 Giving instructions
Instructions are given in much the same way as directions, except that to soften the
command one often hears forms with poder+ infinitive, like those used with requests.
The examples below illustrate all the various uses.^68 (p. 381)
69.2.1 Poder+ infinitive
Por favor Isabel, ¿puede pasar al banco e ingresar/depositar (L. Am.)
estos cheques?
Isabel, can you go to the bank and deposit these cheques please?
Esteban, ¿podría traerme la carpeta del señor Rivera?
Esteban, could you bring señor Rivera’s file?21.1 (p. 99)
69.2.2 The present tense
This may appear on its own or combined with other forms, for example the imperative. 17.1.4 (p. 73); 17.13 (p. 81)
Primero vas a correos y echas estas cartas, luego me compras unas
aspirinas en la farmacia.
First go to the post office and post these letters, then buy some aspirins
for me at the chemist’s.
Por favor, vaya a la papelería y me trae una docena de sobres.
Please go to the stationer’s and bring me a dozen envelopes.69.2.3 The imperative
The imperative, like the infinitive below, is particularly common in written
instructions, such as those found in manuals. 17.13 (p. 81)
Procure abrir el menor número de veces la puerta de su frigorífico
y no la deje abierta después de retirar o colocar alimentos.
Try to open the door of your refrigerator as little as possible and don’t
leave it open after putting in or taking out food.Limpie su frigorífico antes de usarlo por primera vez y repita esta
operación en forma periódica, por lo menos cada 15 días.
Clean your refrigerator before using it for the first time and repeat this
operation regularly, at least every 15 days.Giving instructions 69.2