Distinguirlo

Distinguirlo is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the verb distinguir (to distinguish) together with the direct object pronoun lo (him/it, masculine singular). The combination functions as a single unit when used with an infinitive, past participles, or gerunds, and it refers to distinguishing the masculine singular noun previously mentioned. Because lo is a clitic pronoun, its position follows standard Spanish rules for attaching object pronouns to verbs.

Etymology and meaning: Distinguir comes from the Latin distinguere, meaning to set apart or tell apart. The addition of lo creates a compound form that expresses the act of distinguishing that specific object or person. The form is grammatical and productive in modern Spanish, with parallel forms such as distinguirla (distinguish her/it feminine) or distinguirlos (distinguish them masculine).

Usage: The phrase is used with various verbal moods and tenses. Examples include: puedo distinguirlo (I can distinguish him/it), quería distinguirlo de su gemelo (I wanted to distinguish him from his twin), and sin distinguirlo (without distinguishing him/it). The pronoun lo can also be attached to the infinitive or gerund: distinguirlo, distinguiéndolo.

Notes on grammar: The pronoun must agree in gender and number with the noun it replaces. When used with an infinitive or gerund, the pronoun remains attached to the verb form (distinguirlo, distinguiéndolo). The masculine form is lo; feminine would be la, and plural los/las for plural nouns.

See also: distinguir, pronombres de objeto directo, gramática española, sintaxis de infinitivo.