Attach Object Pronouns to Infinitives
Two-verb phrases offer a choice: put the pronoun before the conjugated verb or attach it to the infinitive. Compare both positions without changing the meaning.
Learning objective
Place an object pronoun in either correct position within a conjugated-verb-plus-infinitive phrase.
A conjugated-verb-plus-infinitive phrase contains one verb changed to match the person performing the action and a second verb left in its unchanged -ar, -er, or -ir form. With one object pronoun, Spanish allows two correct positions: before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive.
Quiero comprar el libro can become Lo quiero comprar or Quiero comprarlo. Both mean I want to buy it, and the reference remains singular masculine. Use one position, not both. The conjugated verb quiero carries the subject; comprar remains the infinitive in either version.
The same choice works with many common combinations: La puedo ayudar or Puedo ayudarla, and Te voy a llamar or Voy a llamarte. When the pronoun attaches, write it as one word with the infinitive. Do not place it loose between the two verbs.
Negation stands before the conjugated part: No lo puedo abrir or No puedo abrirlo. The no does not attach to the infinitive. In a question, either pronoun position remains possible: ¿La quieres ver? and ¿Quieres verla? The preferred rhythm can vary by speaker and context.
This lesson uses one object pronoun so that placement stays visible. Combining two object pronouns requires additional rules taught later, so there is no need to anticipate that pattern. Produce accurate single-pronoun alternatives with familiar verbs such as querer, poder, necesitar, and ir a.
Examples
Lo quiero terminar hoy. / Quiero terminarlo hoy.
I want to finish it today.
Both Spanish versions place the same masculine singular object correctly.
¿Me puedes ayudar? / ¿Puedes ayudarme?
Can you help me?
Me may precede puedes or attach to ayudar.
No las vamos a comprar. / No vamos a comprarlas.
We aren’t going to buy them.
No leads both versions, and las marks a feminine plural reference.
Te quiero mostrar una foto. / Quiero mostrarte una foto.
I want to show you a photo.
Te identifies the informal recipient in either position.
Common mistake
- Instead of
- Quiero lo comprar mañana.
- Try
- Lo quiero comprar mañana. / Quiero comprarlo mañana.
The pronoun cannot stand separately between the conjugated verb and infinitive. Move lo before quiero or attach it directly to comprar. Both corrected versions express the same intended object, so choose one complete position rather than mixing the two.
Practice
Try it yourself
Rewrite each sentence in both valid ways: Puedo leer el informe hoy. / Vamos a visitar a Marta mañana. Replace el informe with lo and a Marta with la.