Requests and commands
What do we want someone to do or stop doing?
Betekenis
Requests and commands try to get someone to do something or stop doing it. They range from a gentle request to a firm order. Languages may use special verb forms, question-shaped requests, small words, or tone; some have no separate command form. Questions ask for information, while Requests and commands ask for an action.
Zo herken je het
Look for language that asks or tells someone to act, even if it has the shape of a question.
In de taal die je leert
English commands usually use the verb's base form, such as take or come, without the subject you. Negative commands put don't before that form. Requests often use please or questions with can, could, or would.
Take a seat.
The command uses the base form take and leaves out you.
Don't touch that pan.
Don't comes before the base form touch.
Could you pass the bread, please?
This has the form of a question, but the speaker is asking for an action.
Learners whose language has special command endings may add an unnecessary ending to the English verb. Learners whose language negates commands like statements may use not alone instead of don't.