Quick Review: Spanish Positive and Negative Commands

Interleaved practice involves mixing different types of tasks or concepts in a single practice session. In this case, you will practice both positive and negative commands together. This method helps reinforce your understanding and ability to quickly switch between giving instructions and prohibitions in Spanish. By practicing both positive and negative commands interleaved, you will become more comfortable and fluent in using commands in various situations.

1. Review of Command Forms

Before we begin practicing, let’s briefly review the key points about positive and negative commands:

• Positive commands tell someone to do something.
  • Example: Habla con ella. (Speak with her.)
• Negative commands tell someone not to do something.
  • Example: No hables con ella. (Don’t speak with her.)

Key Points:

• Tú and vosotros have different forms for positive and negative commands.
• Tú negative, vosotros negative, usted (Ud.), ustedes (Uds.), and nosotros commands all follow the same irregular patterns as in the subjunctive mood.

2. Interleaved Practice: Positive and Negative Commands

Now, let’s practice by alternating between positive and negative commands. Pay close attention to the subject and whether the command should be positive or negative.

Practice Sentences

1. (Tú, +) __________ (escribir) una carta a tu madre.
2. (Usted, -) __________ (salir) antes de las seis.
3. (Vosotros, +) __________ (comer) todas las verduras.
4. (Nosotros, -) __________ (decir) nada a nadie.
5. (Ustedes, +) __________ (levantarse) temprano mañana.
6. (Tú, +) __________ (hacer) ruido en el gimnasio.
7. (Vosotros, -) __________ (hablar) durante la película.
8. (Nosotros, +) __________ (ir) al parque esta tarde.
9. (Usted, +) __________ (poner) el documento en la mesa.
10. (Tú, -) __________ (venir) tarde a la reunión.

Answers:

1. Escribe una carta a tu madre.
2. No salga antes de las seis.
3. Comed todas las verduras.
4. No digamos nada a nadie.
5. Levántense temprano mañana.
6. Haz ruido en el gimnasio.
7. No habléis durante la película.
8. Vamos al parque esta tarde.
9. Ponga el documento en la mesa.
10. No vengas tarde a la reunión.

3. Additional Practice

Try forming both a positive and a negative command for each of the following verbs, using different subjects:

1. hablar (usted)
2. comer (vosotros)
3. salir (tú)
4. decir (nosotros)
5. hacer (ustedes)

Answers:

1. Hable / No hable
2. Comed / No comáis
3. Sal / No salgas
4. Digamos / No digamos
5. Hagan / No hagan

Conclusion

Interleaved practice of positive and negative commands helps strengthen your ability to use these forms fluidly in conversation. By regularly practicing switching between positive and negative commands, you’ll improve your confidence and speed in delivering instructions in Spanish. Remember, the key is to be aware of the subject you are addressing and whether you want to instruct them to do or not do something. Keep practicing, and these commands will become second nature!