Indirect and direct object pronouns with infinitives

Ciao,

I have a question about indirect and direct object pronouns.

I understand from lesson 4.9 that direct object pronouns can be attached to infinitive verb forms, like this:

• Puoi chiamarmi quando vuoi.

And I understand from lesson 4.10 that indirect object pronouns can be attached to infinitive verb forms, like this:

• Voglio comprarle un regalo.

In lesson 5.6 I see that indirect and direct object pronouns can be attached together to infinitive verb forms, like this:

• Devo darglielo domani.

My question is, can you use the attached [infinitive]+[indirect]+[direct] structure with ANY combination of indirect and direct object pronouns? I’m asking because in 5.6 the only examples given of this structure involve the indirect object pronoun “glie.” Would it be correct to write the sentence “Monica wants to give me it [the gift]” this way?

• Monica vuole darmelo.
• Or must it be:
• Monica me lo vuole dare.

Thank you!

Gwen

Hi Gwen,

You've grasped the concept quite well! Yes, you can use the [infinitive]+[indirect]+[direct] structure with any combination of indirect and direct object pronouns in Italian. It’s not limited to just using "glie."

Your sentence, "Monica vuole darmelo," is perfectly correct and a very natural way to combine these pronouns with the infinitive. This construction is quite common and fluid in everyday Italian.

Alternatively, "Monica me lo vuole dare" is also correct but changes the emphasis slightly. It separates the pronouns from the verb, which can sometimes be used for clarity or stylistic reasons.

So, both forms are correct, and you can use either depending on the context or your preference for emphasis in the sentence.

Best regards, Enxhi

So is “devo mostrarlelo” a possible correct construction for “I must show her it”?

le-her-Indirect Obj

lo-it-Direct Object

@Matteo 

When the indirect object “gli” or “le” comes before “lo,” “la,” “li,” or “le,” it becomes “glie."

So the correct form of your example would be “Devo mostrarglielo.”

Hi Gwen,

Yes, you can use the [infinitive]+[indirect]+[direct] structure with any combination of indirect and direct object pronouns in Italian. It’s not limited to just using “glie.”

Your sentence, “Monica vuole darmelo,” is perfectly correct and a very natural way to combine these pronouns with the infinitive. This construction is quite common and fluid in everyday Italian.

Alternatively, “Monica me lo vuole dare” is also correct but changes the emphasis slightly. It separates the pronouns from the verb, which can sometimes be used for clarity or stylistic reasons.

Both forms are correct, and you can use either depending on the context or your preference for emphasis in the sentence.

Best regards, 

Enxhi