Is this used also for just a single action?

Question

The examples all list a couple actions that are being requested or suggested.  Would it be just as normal to use it when there is just a single action being requested?  Like "Pones los papeles sobre la mesa" would sound as normal as a command as "Pon los papeles sobre la mesa"?  As a non-native speaker, if I talked that way would people think I don't know the imperative?

Answer

Hola RebekahThis use of the present with this sense of order, advise or request is not exclusive of paired actions, you can also do this with one single action. We created these examples because it sounds more natural when it's a request that involves more than one action, but you can also say:"Ahora vas al bar a buscar a tu padre"Now, go to the bar to find your dad."Pues, te aguantas" So be it.These are normally introduced by a single word like ahora..., pues..., eah..., as an introduction to the order/request. If we didn't use these and went straight to the verb conjugated in the present, it wouldn't be so clear that it has that effect. It needs to be seen in context and it usually is when someone is fed up with a situation (like mums/dads with their kids).I hope it clarifies it.Saludos