20 ways you could indicate the imperative in a conlang (constructed language)
1. Prefix (same one no matter the verb)
2. Prefix (changing depending on the verb type)
Maybe you have verb categories like in French and Spanish (different verb endings and different conjugations), or maybe it would depend on the sounds of the verb. There are also other ways to differentiate verbs.
3. Suffix (same no matter the verb)
4. Suffix (changing depending on the verb type)
5. Infix
Something in the middle of the verb: a syllable, a letter, a glottal stop?
6. Different tone
I like the idea of using tones for grammar.
7. Vowel shift
One or more vowels would change into another vowel.
8. Double a vowel or consonant
9. Double a syllable
10. Remove the usual verb ending
Like in French and Spanish.
Examples with "You speak / Speak to me":
Tu parles -> Parle-moi !
Hablas -> Háblame!
11. If you use an infinitive particle to indicate the infinitive like in English ("to speak), just remove it (like in English)
12. Modify the pronoun
Let's say "you" is "ög", and "you speak" is "ög krava". It could become "ug krava".
13. No imperative: instead, you just add "please"
14. Switch up the words
Assuming word order is otherwise generally strict, you could switch it up like you do it in English or French to ask a question.
Ög krava -> Krava ög
15. Very inconvenient: Have a completely different verb for the imperative of each verb
16. Switch up the syllables
Krava -> Vakrav
In case of monosyllabic words, figure out another rule.
17. Don't change anything and simply rely on context (or the way you say it)
18. TRIPLE a vowel or consonant
19. Add the person's name before or after the verb
If you don't know the person's name, you can say Sir, Miss, or whatever title.
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