contrastarlo

Contrastarlo is an Italian non-finite verb form created by combining the verb contrastare (to oppose, to counter) with the direct object pronoun lo attached to the infinitive. The result means “to oppose it” or “to counter it.” This construction is common in Italian when a non-finite clause needs a reference to a previously mentioned object or idea, and the pronoun functions as the object of the action.

Grammar and usage notes:

- The attached pronoun forms a single word with the infinitive, as in Dobbiamo contrastarlo (We must oppose it) or Voglio contrastarlo (I want to oppose it).

- In sentences with auxiliary or modal verbs, Italian can also place the pronoun before the auxiliary, depending on emphasis and rhythm: Lo dobbiamo contrastare or Dobbiamo contrastarlo. Both convey the same core meaning, with slight stylistic nuance.

- The construction can appear after prepositions that govern infinitives: senza contrastarlo (without opposing it), per contrastarlo (to oppose it), and similar.

Examples:

- Dobbiamo contrastarlo per proteggere i diritti civili. (We must oppose it to protect civil rights.)

- È difficile contrastarlo, ma necessario. (It is difficult to oppose it, but necessary.)

- Senza contrastarlo, la politica rimane inefficace. (Without opposing it, policy remains ineffective.)

Relation to other forms:

- Contrastarlo is part of a broader set of Italian infinitives with attached clitics, a feature shared with many verbs that take direct object pronouns in non-finite clauses.

- It is not a separate lexical entry but a syntactic pattern resulting from attaching a clitic pronoun to the infinitive of contrastare.

See also: Italian grammar, clitic pronouns, infinitives, non-finite clauses.