I have learned two forms of what are called imperatives - one where the verb ends with the え sound (eg. 行け) and one where you take the pre-ます verb and add なさい (eg. 行きなさい).
It is not clear to me how these are different, or when you would choose to use one over the other? Can anyone clarify for me?
Imperatives are used when the relationship is clear who get the ascebdancy or who is older, say, toward young people, juniours or animals.
「行け」sounds very strong and direclty. This form is used, for example, in the army, slogans or directions in exams. This form is hardly used by women. Also it is used for quotaions.
「母が私に勉強しろといつも言います」
eg., 「行きなさい」sounds more polite than [行け」.
However, this form is also an imperative. It is better to be careful when you use imperatives.
Sorry for the poor English. >_< I hope this explanation will be helpful.