Reflections on Imperative Forms in Portuguese

Abstract

This study examines the variable use of imperative forms in Brazilian Portuguese, in comparison with languages that display a special morphology and syntax for imperatives (so-called true imperatives), along with forms derived from the subjunctive (found also in European Portuguese). It is argued that in Brazilian Portuguese the imperative forms corresponding to true imperatives show neither morphological or syntactically specific features, nor are they restricted by the discourse-linked feature [+proximity]. As we show, there are geographical differences in this variable phenomenon in Brazilian Portuguese, which correlate with the syntax of negation, object pronouns, and with vocatives as opposed to subjects.