Let's practice using indirect object pronouns in an office setting. Whether you're sending an attachment or asking for a favor, the rules for placing these pronouns remain the same.
Default Placement: After the Verb
By default, indirect object pronouns attach to the end of the conjugated verb with a hyphen.
| I send him the attachment. | Envio-lhe o anexo. |
| My colleague does me a favor because I am busy. | O meu colega faz-me um favor porque estou ocupado. |
Placement with Infinitives
With a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive (like podes enviar), the pronoun typically attaches to the end of the infinitive.
| Can you send me the presentation file? | Podes enviar-me o ficheiro da apresentação? |
| Can you do me a favor and send him the copy of the file? | Podes fazer-me um favor e enviar-lhe a cópia do ficheiro? |
The "Magnet" Effect: Negative and Question Words
Certain words act like magnets, pulling the pronoun in front of the verb and removing the hyphen.
The most common magnets are negative words like não (not).
| The boss does not show him the folder. | O chefe não lhe mostra a pasta. |
| I give you access and you don't thank me. | Dou-te acesso e não me agradeces. |
Question words like quem (who) also act as magnets, pulling the pronoun right in front of the verb.
| Who sends you the attachment? | Quem te envia o anexo? |
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