Enclisis after Non-Finite Verbs and Imperatives

Level 5

Attach weak pronouns after infinitives, gerunds and positive imperatives, using the required hyphens and apostrophes.

How It Works

An infinitive has no person ending, but it can still take objects represented by pronouns: llegir-lo, explicar-li, anar-se'n. A gerund likewise takes attached pronouns: llegint-lo, explicant-li. Use the correct hyphens and apostrophes rather than separating these forms with spaces.

An attached group belongs to the specific nonfinite or imperative verb: explicar-ho, explicant-ho and expliqueu-ho retain the same object. The suffix changes neither the verb's subject nor the object's meaning. In a negative command the corresponding group moves before a subjunctive verb: no ho expliqueu. Read the complete written unit aloud, then check that hyphens and apostrophes match its position rather than an earlier finite example.

Examples (3)

  1. Explicar-ho requereix temps.

    Explaining it takes time.

  2. Va continuar explicant-ho.

    She continued explaining it.

  3. Expliqueu-ho amb calma.

    Explain it calmly.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Enclisis after Non-Finite Verbs and ImperativesLevel 5

Learn This First

Attach a cluster to the nonfinite verb that governs its complements. Identify the affirmative command before attaching a multi-pronoun cluster.