A Simplified Method of Teaching the Position of Object Pronouns in Spanish

Abstract

The placement of direct, indirect, and reflexive object pronouns is often presented disjointedly in textbooks. We offer a succinct, easily-learned pair of mnemonic devices that have universal applicability for the position of object pronouns in Spanish sentences. The acronym IGA indicates that these pronouns follow and are appended to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands; otherwise, the pronouns directly precede the verb. In sentences where two positions are allowed, application of the IGA rule will reveal both possibilities. The acronym RID prescribes the sequential order of two object pronouns to be always reflexive, indirect, and direct, whether they precede or follow the verb. Additionally, the use of accent marks when pronouns are appended to verbs and the substitution of se for le or les are simplified in a concise didactic system.