When using a modal verb (like potere, volere, dovere, or sapere) followed by an infinitive, you have two options for where to place a direct object pronoun like lo, la, li, or le.
Attached to the infinitive
Drop the final -e of the infinitive and attach the pronoun directly to the end. For example, riparare (to repair) becomes ripararlo (to repair it).
| The phone is broken, can you repair it please? | Il telefono è rotto, puoi ripararlo per favore? |
| This form is important, you must fill it out well. | Questo modulo è importante, devi compilarlo bene. |
Before the modal verb
Place the pronoun immediately before the conjugated modal verb, just as you would with a single verb.
| They must repair it today. | Lo devono riparare oggi. |
| It is your suitcase, you must move it. | È la tua valigia, la devi spostare. |
It's your choice!
Both positions are grammatically correct and mean exactly the same thing. You will often hear them used interchangeably.
| Can I print it in the office, or must I print it at home? | Posso stamparlo in ufficio, o lo devo stampare a casa? |
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