Indirect Object Pronoun Placement
Start first lessonRELEVANT LESSON:
Explanation
Indirect object pronouns in Spanish generally follow the same placement rules as direct object pronouns.
Let’s take a look at the rules for indirect object placement with simple verbs, compound verbs, and commands.
Simple Verbs
In sentences with simple verbs (verbs made up of only one word), the indirect object pronoun goes before the verb.
Affirmative Sentences
In affirmative sentences with simple verbs, the indirect object pronoun comes directly before the verb.
For example:
| examples |
|---|
Negative Sentences
In negative sentences with simple verbs, the indirect object comes after the negative adverb (such as noand directly before the verb.
For example:
| examples |
|---|
Compound Verbs
In sentences with compound verbs (verbs made up of multiple words), there are two options for where the indirect object pronoun can go.
1. Before the conjugated verb
The first option essentially follows the same rules as those for simple verbs: the indirect object comes before the conjugated verb.
For example:
| examples |
|---|
2. Attached to an infinitive or present participle
The second option is to attach the indirect object pronoun to an infinitive or a present participle.
For example:
| examples |
|---|
Note the accent on sirviéndonos. This is used to preserve the original stress of the verb form.
Commands
Indirect object pronouns are attached to affirmative commands, but are placed between the negative adverb and the verb in negative commands.
Affirmative Commands
For example:
Negative Commands
Note the addition of the accent on háblame.You can find more about adding accents when using object pronouns here!
Become a pronoun pro with the following articles:
