Convencerlos

Convencerlos is a Spanish non-finite verb form created by attaching the direct object pronoun los (them) to the infinitive convencer (to persuade). The resulting form means “to convince them” and is used when the action’s object is specified as a masculine or mixed-gender plural group. The feminine counterpart is convencerlas. When used as a noun phrase, it can function as the subject or object of a sentence, e.g., Convencerlos fue difícil (Convincing them was difficult).

Grammar and usage: In Spanish, pronouns can attach to the end of infinitives and gerunds. Convencerlos appears as a single word after a finite verb, as in Quiero convencerlos (I want to convince them). It can also serve as a subject: Convencerlos es importante (Convincing them is important). The gerund form is convenciendo, with the pronoun forming convencéndolos (Convenciéndolos, they were persuading them). Pronoun placement can vary with different verb constructions; for example, Los quiero convencer is another acceptable form where the pronoun precedes the conjugated verb and remains separate from the infinitive.

Semantics and usage notes: Convencerlos is primarily used to denote the specific act of persuading a particular group. The word is common in rhetoric, politics, marketing, and everyday speech. Care should be taken to ensure the antecedent of los is clear, since Spanish pronouns rely on context for gender and number.

See also: Convencer, pronombres clíticos, infinitivo, uso de pronombres en infinitivos.