French: Miscellaneous?

Question

I read [wikipedia] that the infinitive can be used as the imperative in an impersonal command. “Mettre la ceinture.”

Please, what is an impersonal command?

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Also, I learned years ago that to be considered educated you must correctly use the 17 verbs that take etre in the passé composé, and never close the letter “p” when writing.

Is that “p” rule real?

Thx!

Answer 1

Infinitives are usually always used in general  directions that anybody might read.  They frequently are used on public signs, and they are used to give directions on packages and in instruction manuals.  They sometimes are used with the Impératif of "vouloir".

e.g.

"Veuillez noter les points ci-dessous avant de mettre le lecteur/graveur en place."

"Veiller à ce que tous les périphiques ainsi que l'unité centrale soient hors tension puis retirer le capot en procédant selon les indications du manuel fourni avec l'ordinateur."

The infinitive for giving directions is also used in most recipes.

e.g.

"Tamiser ensemble la fécule de mais, le sucre à glacer et la farine.  Incorporer le buerre à cuillère jusqu'à la formation d'une pâte molle et lisse..."

I got these from some items that were close on hand.

If you come to Canada, just look on the packages in the store.

As for the "p" rule, I don't know if I have ever heard of it.  I have bad handwriting, so I try to make letters as clear as possible and might be inclined to close the "p".  Deciphering other people's handwriting can often present a problem.

Answer 2

An impersonal command would be displayed on a sign or message meant to refer to everyone affected by it, not to any particular person, such as Don't Walk or Stay Off the Grass or Fasten Your Seatbelt or Add one cup of milk.

The verb usage rule is correct. The 'p' closure rule is a little joke. When one is educated and writes often, one develops an "economical" handwriting that is fast, effort-saving, and alas, often sloppy.

Answer 3

An impersonal command is one which uses the infinitive in order to sound more remote and less personal. "Mette la ceinture" or "mettez la ceinture" sound bossy. French recipes use the infinitive in this way and it gives them a certain scientific objectivity.  Here's an example: http://recettes.viabloga.com/

You must get your passé composé right, both when speaking and when writing. It doesn't take a great deal of effort and makes a good impression. Mistakes like that jump off the page at the reader.

I have never heard the "p" rule and can only offhand think of "trop". It's true that you wouldn't put "trop" at the end of a sentence.

Answer 4

An impersonal command is using the infinitive form of a verb, hence, without using a pronoun and conjugating.

About the closing of the letter p, I really don't know where you took that information...I've never heard of it.