Breakdown of Temos o código correto e queremos usá-lo.
e
and
ter
to have
querer
to want
usar
to use / to wear
o
him/it (m)
correto
correct
o código
the code
Questions & Answers about Temos o código correto e queremos usá-lo.
Could I place the pronoun somewhere else in the phrase "queremos usar"?
Yes. In this verbal complex, you can attach the pronoun to the infinitive, which gives us queremos usá-lo. Alternatively, you can attach it to the conjugated verb: queremo-lo usar. Notice that if you attach it to queremos, the final -s is dropped before adding -lo. You cannot place the pronoun before queremos because there is no "magnet" word (like não) to pull it to the front.
Why does the infinitive "usar" change to "usá" before the pronoun?
When attaching a direct object pronoun like o to a verb ending in -r, -s, or -z, you must drop that final letter and change the pronoun to -lo (or -la, -los, -las). Dropping the -r from usar leaves usa. To maintain the original stress on that final syllable, Portuguese spelling rules require adding an acute accent, resulting in usá-lo.
Why do we use the pronoun "lo" here instead of "lhe"?
The verb usar (to use) takes a direct object because you are directly using something. The pronoun replaces o código (the code), which is a masculine singular noun. Therefore, we use the masculine singular direct object pronoun o (which changes to -lo here). The pronoun lhe is strictly for indirect objects (usually corresponding to "to him", "to her", or "to it").
I sometimes see words like "correto" spelled as "correcto". Which one is right?
Correto is the standard spelling today. Under the modern Portuguese spelling agreement, silent consonants were removed. Since the c in the European Portuguese pronunciation of this word is silent, it was dropped. You may still see correcto in older texts, but correto is what you should use now.
Learn Temos o código correto e queremos usá-lo and more in Portuguese
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free