Utilizarlo

Utilizarlo is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the infinitive utilizar plus the direct object pronoun lo, referring to a masculine singular object or concept. It translates roughly as “to use it.” The pronoun agrees in gender and number with the noun it replaces; for feminine objects the form would be utilizarla, and for plural objects utilizarlos or utilizarlas accordingly. In everyday speech, usar is more common than utilizar, but the latter is frequent in formal, technical, or written contexts.

Etymology and meaning: utilizar comes from the Latin utilis, meaning useful, with the productive Spanish suffix -izar that forms verbs. The corresponding noun related to the action is utilización (utilization, use). The combination utilizar + lo is a standard way to express “to use it” when the reference is clear from prior context.

Grammar and placement: Pronouns in Spanish may attach to an infinitive or appear before a conjugated verb. With infinitives, you can say Lo voy a utilizar or Voy a utilizarlo; both convey the same meaning, with the pronoun attached to the infinitive or placed in front of the auxiliary verb. The imperative forms attach as Utilízalo (affirmative) or No lo utilices (negative). Accent marks may be used to preserve stress when pronouns are attached, as in Utilízalo.

Usage notes: Utilizarlo tends to appear in more formal or technical language, whereas usarlo is common in colloquial style. It may refer to tangible objects or abstract concepts (for example, una estrategia, un método, una herramienta). Related terms include utilización, uso, and emplear, which share similar meanings but differ in nuance and register.

Examples:

- Voy a utilizarlo para preparar la receta.

- No lo utilices sin leer las instrucciones.

- Utilícelo con precaución.