- Direct object pronoun: imperative verb + lo/la/los/las. Example: léelo
- Indirect pronoun: verb in imperative + me/te/le/nos/os/les. Example: dime.
- Combined: imperative verb + me/te/le/nos/os/les indirect pronoun + lo/la/los/las direct pronoun
| Fórmula (Formula) | Verbo + pronombre (Verb + pronoun) | Ejemplo (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Enviar (en imperativo) + me (Indirecto, a mí) | Envíame | Envíame el currículum hoy mismo. (Send me the CV today.) |
| Leer (en imperativo) + lo (Directo, el documento) | Léelo | Léelo antes de enviarlo. (Read it before sending it.) |
| Decir (en imperativo) + me + lo (Combinado, a mí - indirecto + el secreto - directo) | Dímelo | Dímelo cuanto antes. (Tell me as soon as possible.) |
Exceptions!
- The order in combined pronouns is always: indirect + direct. Ex: dímelo.
- Add an accent mark if necessary!
Exercise 1: El imperativo con pronombres: directos, indirectos y combinados
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Imprímela, Dínoslo, Envíala, Mándamelos, Dímelo, Muéstranos, Entrégaselas, Léelo
1.
Leer: Pronombre directo (el documento):
... antes de enviarlo.
(Read it before sending it.)
2.
Enviar: Pronombre directo (la carta):
... al correo del jefe.
(Send it to the boss's email.)
3.
Mandar: Pronombre combinado (a mí + los documentos):
... esta tarde.
(Send them to me this afternoon.)
4.
Imprimir: Pronombre directo (la hoja):
... antes de salir.
(Print it before leaving.)
5.
Mostrar: Pronombre indirecto (a nosotros):
... la carta de presentación final.
(Show us the final cover letter.)
6.
Decir: Pronombre combinado (a mí + el secreto):
... cuanto antes.
(Tell me as soon as possible.)
7.
Entregar: Pronombre combinado (a ellos + las cartas):
... al final de la clase.
(Give them to her at the end of the class.)
8.
Decir: Pronombre combinado (a nosotros + el plan):
... después de la reunión.
(Tell us after the meeting.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct option to complete the sentence using the imperative with pronouns (direct, indirect, or combined). Pay attention to the order and placement of the pronouns and remember to add an accent when necessary.
1.
The indirect pronoun must be attached to the imperative verb forming a single word: 'envíame', not separated as 'envía me'.
The order of the pronouns is incorrect and the indirect pronoun is missing. Also, 'lo' is not appropriate since it refers to the direct object, but the sentence requires the indirect 'me'.
2.
The pronouns must be attached to the imperative verb forming a single word: 'dímelo'. Separating them is incorrect.
The correct order in combined pronouns is indirect + direct ('dímelo'), not 'dilo me'.
3.
An indirect pronoun 'le' has been used instead of the direct 'lo', and the combination is incorrect. Also, adding an accent here is not appropriate.
The pronoun 'lo' must be attached to the verb to form a single word with an accent: 'léelo', not separated as 'lee lo'.
4.
The indirect pronoun must be attached to the verb forming 'cuéntame', not separated as 'cuenta me'.
Incorrect order and unnecessary repetition of pronouns. The correct form is only with the indirect 'me' attached to the verb: 'cuéntame'.