Riportarlo

Riportarlo is an Italian verb phrase formed by the infinitive riportare, meaning to bring back or to return, with the attached clitic pronoun lo, which refers to a masculine singular noun mentioned previously. The combined form literally means “to bring it back” and can also convey the sense of to report it, depending on the context and object involved.

Etymology and form: riportare derives from ri- (a prefix indicating repetition or restoration) plus portare (to carry, to bring). The pronoun lo serves as the direct object, so riportarlo literally notes returning or restoring the object in question. In non-finite uses or with modal verbs, the pronoun remains attached to the infinitive, producing forms such as Devo riportarlo or Posso riportarlo.

Grammar and pronoun usage: In Italian, when multiple pronouns accompany an infinitive, the indirect object pronoun precedes the direct object pronoun, and the whole cluster attaches to the verb: e.g., riportarglielo = bring it to him. For phrases with only a direct object, riportarlo is common: Devo riportarlo; it refers to returning a specific item. Riportare can also mean to report or recount information, as in riportare i fatti (to report the facts); here lo is not present because the object changes to a separate clause or noun.

Meanings and contexts: The primary sense is returning or restoring an object to its place or owner. In journalism or storytelling, riportare can mean to relay or report information. The exact nuance is determined by the surrounding verb and object.

Examples:

- Devo riportarlo domani.

- Il giornalista ha riportato i fatti.

- Riportarlo al mittente è la procedura standard.