No matter where you live in the world I bet when you were growing up your mother used a form of the imperative tense with you.\u00a0 The imperative tense in English is used: 1) as a direct order, 2) to give instructions, 3) to make an invitation, 4) on signs, and 5) to give friendly informal advice.\u00a0 Here are some examples of these five uses: 1) Clean up your room., 2) Go to the door, close it, and lock it., 3) Come in, sit down, relax., 4) Push., and 5) Don’t go.\u00a0 Stay at home and rest.\u00a0 All of these examples (except #4) are examples of the imperative that a mother might use.\u00a0 Mothers, and parents in general are known for using the imperative with their children, but moms in the United States are also known for saying many other common phrases.\u00a0 These phrases are so common that when most people in the United States hear them they will likely think of their own mother or a mother that they know.\u00a0 Below I have listed some very common phrases or “things that moms say” in the United States.\u00a0 One thing you will notice about a lot of these phrases is that they are in the imperative tense (or they are a question).\u00a0 Do these sound like things your mother would say?\u00a0 Are there common phrases that mothers in your culture use, if so please share a translation of the phrase (in English) with us in the comments of this post.<\/p>\n
Call me when you get there, just so I know you’re okay.
\nAre your hands broken? You can pick it up yourself.
\nWhat were you born in, a barn? Close the door.
\nNo ifs, ands, or buts.
\nEat your vegetables; they’re good for you.
\nEnough is enough!
\nGo ask your father.
\nHow many times do I have to tell you?
\nI don’t care who started it. YOU stop it!
\nIf I’ve told you once … I’ve told you a thousand times.
\nIf you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
\nI’m doing this for your own good.
\nI’m going to give you until the count of three: 1\u20262\u20262\u00bd\u20262\u00be\u2026
\nMoney does NOT grow on trees, you know.
\nThis hurts me more than it hurts you.
\nIf everyone jumped off a cliff, would you do it, too?
\nWhat do you think YOU’RE doing?
\nYou would forget your own head if it wasn’t attached to your shoulders.
\nYou’re older, you should know better.<\/p>\n
Another thing that mothers often tell their children to do is to study.\u00a0 If you are looking for more tools to help you study English be sure to check out all that is available to you at www.transparentlanguage.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" No matter where you live in the world I bet when you were growing up your mother used a form of the imperative tense with you.\u00a0 The imperative tense in English is used: 1) as a direct order, 2) to give instructions, 3) to make an invitation, 4) on signs, and 5) to give friendly…<\/p>\n