Pronouns in Imperative Commands
When pronouns jump to after the verb — the exception to every placement rule
Category: Pronouns
The Rule
In affirmative commands, pronouns go AFTER the verb, joined by a hyphen. In negative commands, pronouns return to their normal position BEFORE the verb. Me/te become moi/toi after the verb.
Why This Matters
Just when English speakers master putting pronouns before the verb, the imperative flips everything. 'Donne-le-moi !' (Give it to me!) puts pronouns after the verb with hyphens. But negate it and they jump back: 'Ne me le donne pas !' This dual behavior is one of the trickiest aspects of French pronouns. Additionally, me becomes moi and te becomes toi in affirmative commands.
Examples
• Donne-moi le livre. — "Give me the book." [Affirmative: pronoun after verb, me → moi] • Regarde-les ! — "Look at them!" [Affirmative: les after verb with hyphen] • Ne me regarde pas ! — "Don't look at me!" [Negative: pronoun returns before verb, moi → me] • Donne-le-lui. — "Give it to him/her." [Two pronouns after verb: le before lui] • Vas-y ! — "Go ahead! / Go there!" [y after verb with hyphen]
Common Mistakes
❌ Me donne le livre. ✅ Donne-moi le livre. → In affirmative commands, the pronoun goes after the verb. Me becomes moi. ❌ Donne-me le livre. ✅ Donne-moi le livre. → In affirmative imperative, me changes to moi. ❌ Ne regarde-les pas ! ✅ Ne les regarde pas ! → In negative commands, pronouns go back to their normal position before the verb.
Quick Tip
Affirmative imperative order after verb: le/la/les → moi/toi/lui/nous/vous/leur → y → en. This is different from the order before the verb!
Affirmative imperative order after verb: le/la/les → moi/toi/lui/nous/vous/leur → y → en. This is different from the order before the verb!
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: Me donne le livre. → Correct: Donne-moi le livre.. In affirmative commands, the pronoun goes after the verb. Me becomes moi.
Incorrect: Donne-me le livre. → Correct: Donne-moi le livre.. In affirmative imperative, me changes to moi.
Incorrect: Ne regarde-les pas ! → Correct: Ne les regarde pas !. In negative commands, pronouns go back to their normal position before the verb.
Quiz
How do you say 'Tell me!' (dire = to tell)?