eliminarne

Eliminarne is an Italian grammatical form formed by attaching the clitic pronoun ne to the infinitive eliminare. It is not treated as a separate lexical item, but as a fused construction that expresses the elimination of a partial quantity or subset of something previously mentioned or implied.

Etymology and function: The pronoun ne stands for a partitive or quantitative element such as "di essi/di esse" or "some of them." By attaching ne to the infinitive, Italian speakers compactly say “to eliminate some of them/it,” avoiding repeating the noun.

Usage and syntax: Eliminarne is used with auxiliary or modal verbs and with finite clauses that accompany an infinitive action. Common constructions include: Voglio eliminarne due (I want to eliminate two of them); Dobbiamo eliminarne alcuni (We must eliminate some of them). In sentences with a conjugated verb, ne often remains attached to the infinitive form, while the main verb provides the required tense or mood. In compound tenses, ne can appear before the auxiliary or be retained with the participle, depending on the surrounding clause and agreement rules. The referent of ne is the same noun previously mentioned and quantified.

Examples:

- Voglio eliminarne due.

- Dobbiamo eliminarne alcuni.

- Non ne voglio eliminare altri.

See also: Italian pronouns clitics, ne (pronoun), eliminare.