Obligarles

Obligarles is a Spanish verbal construction formed by the verb obligar in its infinitive form with the indirect object pronoun les, meaning “to force them.” The phrase functions as a non-finite verb form and is typically used with another verb in a sentence, most often introduced by the preposition a to indicate the action being compelled: obligarles a hacer algo.

Grammar and usage notes: Les is the third-person plural indirect object pronoun referring to “them.” The combination obligarles appears when the action of forcing is described, and it commonly occurs in subordinate clauses or with auxiliary verbs (for example, Tener que obligarles a entregar los documentos). In many sentences the pronoun can also precede the conjugated verb (les obligan a presentar la documentación). The expression carries a sense of coercion or obligation, and its tone can range from formal to neutral depending on context. Synonyms include forzarles and coaccionarles, with matiz ligeramente distinto: forzarles is broad, while coaccionarles emphasizes pressure or intimidation.

Etymology: Obligar comes from Latin obligare, meaning to bind or compel, with les deriving from the indirect object pronoun used in modern Spanish. The combination is a standard way to express mandatory action directed at a group.

See also: obligar, forzar, coaccionar, obligación.

Examples:

- La normativa busca obligarles a entregar la documentación en un plazo de 10 días.

- El juez les obligó a comparecer ante la corte.

Obligarles is thus a common, neutral-to-coercive construction in Spanish used to describe actions imposed on others, typically followed by a or an infinitive that specifies the demanded action.