Download Direct Object Pronouns

Direct Object Pronouns
First of all you must remember that a direct object in a sentence is the person, event or thing
affected by the verb. The main difference between the use of the direct object pronouns in
Spanish and English is their placement. While in English they substitute the direct object (and its
article) and are placed where the original object was, in Spanish this pronoun is placed in front
of the verb, replacing also any article used with the object previously.
Singular
Plural
Me (me)
Nos (us)
Te (you)
Os (you [all])
*Lo/la (him/her/it)
*Los/las (them:
masculine/feminine/neuter)
*The pronouns 'le' or 'les' are sometimes used as direct object pronouns. Its use carry
some subtle differences in meaning.
Some examples:
Spanish
English
Direct object
expressed
(Tú) llevas el libro
You take/carry the book
Direct object
pronoun
(Tú) lo llevas
You take/carry it
Direct object
expressed
Ella rompe la silla
She breaks the chair
Direct object
pronoun
Ella la rompe
She breaks it
Direct object
expressed
Ustedes secuestran los
perros
You [all] kidnap the dogs
Direct object
pronoun
Ustedes los secuestran
You [all] kidnap them
Direct object
expressed
El interrumpe la fiesta
He interrupts the party
Direct object
pronoun
El la interrumpe
He interrupts it
Phrases with two verbs
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In sentences with two verbs, where one verb is conjugated and the other one is in the progressive form or in the
infinitive form, the direct object pronoun can be placed before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive /
progressive verb. Study the examples below:
Examples:
She needs to buy it
Translation:
Direct object pronoun before the conjugated verb: Ella lo necesita comprar.
Direct object pronoun attached to the infinitive verb: Ella necesita comprarlo
I’m listening to you.
Direct object pronoun before the conjugated verb: Te estoy escuchando.
Direct object pronoun attached to the progressive verb: Estoy escuchandote
A Practicar….
Translate…
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Javier eats tacos. Javier eats them.
Maria prepares salads. Maria prepares them.
I am going to set the table. I am going to set it.
Vincente is going to taste the soup. He is going to taste it.
You all (familiar) are going to prefer this class. You all are going to prefer it.
They are going to practice Spanish. They are going to practice it.
You are going to write the verbs in your notebook. You are going to write them in your notebook.