intentarlo

Intentarlo is the infinitive form of the Spanish verb intentar with the clitic pronoun lo attached, producing the sense "to try it" or "to attempt it." It is a verbal construction rather than a standalone word, used to refer to a previously mentioned object or idea. The pronoun lo generally refers to a masculine or neuter antecedent and can replace a noun phrase in many contexts.

Formation and placement: The base verb is intentar, meaning "to try." When used with a direct object, the pronoun lo can be appended to the infinitive, forming intentarlo. With auxiliary verbs, the pronoun can appear before the conjugated verb (Lo voy a intentar) or attached to the infinitive (Voy a intentarlo). Both orders are correct, with minor variation in emphasis or rhythm.

Usage: Intentarlo appears in statements about intention, plans, or possibilities. Examples include Quiero intentarlo (I want to try it) and Vamos a intentarlo mañana (We’re going to try it tomorrow). It can also appear in more tentative forms such as No estoy seguro de poder intentarlo, pero quiero intentarlo (I’m not sure I can try it, but I want to try it). The construction often substitutes for the longer idea intentar hacerlo, making sentences more concise.

Etymology and related forms: Intentarlo combines the verb intentar with the direct object pronoun lo. Related expressions include intentar hacer algo, probar, and tratar de, which convey similar notions of making an effort or attempting something. See also: intentar, probar, tratar de.