Direct Objects, Indirect Objects, Combination Pronouns, Prepositional Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns

A direct object is the object that directly receives the action of the verb.

The direct object answers the question “what?” or “who?” is receiving the action. For example: Bill has a pen. Bill has what? Bill has a pen.

Start with the action (the verb). Who or what+verb = subject S+V+ who or what = direct object Paco has the pen.

A direct object may be a noun or a pronoun. Both are treated the same in English but very differently in Spanish. Paco has the pen. Paco tiene el bolígrafo. Paco has it. Paco lo tiene.

A indirect object is the person that indirectly receives the action of the verb.

The indirect object answers the question “to whom?” or “for whom?” the action is being done. For example: Bill gave the pen to Marta. Bill le dio el bolígrafo a Marta.

There are four different placements for Direct Object Pronouns: 1. If the pronoun is the object of a conjugated verb, then the D.O. pronoun is placed before the conjugated verb. 2. If it is an infinitive verb, then the D.O. pronoun is attached to the end of the infinitive verb.

There are four different placements for Direct Object Pronouns: 3. If the pronoun is the object of a affirmative command, then the pronoun is attached to the end of the command. 4. If the pronoun is the object of a negative command, then the pronoun is placed in front of the command.

When more than one object pronoun is used, use RID to remember the order that they will be used in. For example: Bill gave it to us. Bill nos lo dio.

When both the direct and indirect object pronouns are used and both are from box 3 or 5, then the indirect object pronoun changes to SE. For example: Bill gave it to her. Bill se lo dio a ella.

Any pronoun following a preposition. For example: Bill gave the pen to her. Bill le dio el bolígrafo a ella.

A prepositional pronoun is any pronoun that follows a preposition.

The prepositional pronouns are the same The subject pronouns EXCEPT for mí and ti. mí nosotros ti élellos ellaellas Ud.Uds.

There are two irregular prep. Pronouns to memorize and watch for: conmigo contigo

After the prepositions entre, excepto, and según, yo and tú are used instead of mí and ti. por ejemplo…. Según yo, hoy hace calor.

A reflexive pronoun reflects that the same person doing the action is also receiving the action of the verb.

The reflexive pronoun reflects that the person doing the action is also receiving the action. For example: Bill is taking a shower. Bill se ducha.