Using ‘aller’ for imperative with reflexive verbs

M T.B2Kwiziq community member

Using ‘aller’ for imperative with reflexive verbs

Bonsoir, The lesson indicated that when we use ‘aller’ for an imperative with a reflexive verb we should use the infinitive form of the verb as in: Allez, vous habiller! So the answer provided for the corresponding question should have been: Allez, vous embrasser! Instead, it was : Allez, embrassez-vous! Can you please explain why? Thanks!
Asked 6 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi M,

As Chris has pointed out there is a slight difference between in meaning between,

Allez vous embrasser! Go and kiss each other!

and 

Allez, embrassez-vous! = Go on, have a kiss!

Very subtle , I admit...

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Hi "M", I don't think the "allez" has anything to do with how the imperative is formed. it is just like "Go on" in English, before the actual imperative comes. The declarative sentence: Vous vous embrassez. (You kiss each other.) The imperative: Embrassez-vous ! (Kiss each other!) The important part is that, starting from the declarative you drop the subject and invert the word order of the remaining words. Also, make sure the verb is in the imperative form and the pronound is the stress pronoun. Tu te lèves. (You get up.) Lève-toi ! (Get up!) -- Notice that the imperative of "lever" in the 2nd person singular is "lève", which is different form the ordinary 2nd person ("lèves"). And the "te" becomes "toi", which is the stressed form of "tu". Go on, wash yourself! -- Allez, lavez-vous ! Chris (not a native speaker).
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I am returning to your qestion because I believe I didn't completely answer it in my first try.

You can say, "Allez vous embrasser!" -- Go kiss each other! It has a different connotation from "Allez, embrassez-vous!" -- Go on, kiss each other.

A native speaker's input would be appreciated here, though.

-- Chris (not a native speaker).

M T. asked:

Using ‘aller’ for imperative with reflexive verbs

Bonsoir, The lesson indicated that when we use ‘aller’ for an imperative with a reflexive verb we should use the infinitive form of the verb as in: Allez, vous habiller! So the answer provided for the corresponding question should have been: Allez, vous embrasser! Instead, it was : Allez, embrassez-vous! Can you please explain why? Thanks!

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...