Placing pronouns correctly

Question 1

If adding pronouns to a command, when do you need to add an accent? (2)

Answer 1

• when it results in there being more than one accent
• to maintain the original stress of the verb (which previously was the second-last syllable in the word)

e.g. ‘compre’ (two syllables)
cómprelos
cómpremelos

but

e.g. haz (one syllable)
hazlo (one pronoun, no accent required)
házmelo (two pronouns, accent is required)

Question 2

How do you correctly place the accent when adding pronouns to a command with two or more syllables?

Answer 2

Place it on the stressed syllable of the original command form (usually second-last syllable)

e.g. ‘compre’ (2 syllables)
cómprelos
cómpremelos

Levanta (3 syllables)
Levántate

Question 3

How do you correctly place the accent when adding pronouns to a command with only 1 syllable? (2)

Answer 3

• if one pronoun added: no accent
• if two pronouns added: accent on command’s syllable

e.g. haz (one syllable)
hazlo (one pronoun, no accent required)
házmelo (two pronouns, accent is required)

Question 4

How do you correctly place the accent when adding pronouns to a gerund?

Answer 4

Place it on the stressed syllable of the original gerund

e.g. Las estábamos mirando
Estábamos mirándolas.

Question 5

How do you correctly place the accent when adding pronouns to an infinitive?

Answer 5

Place it on the last syllable of the infinitive

e.g.
He wants to sell it to us.
Quiere vendérnoslo

I’m going to give it to you.
Voy a dártelo.