neutralicen

Neutralicen is a form of the Spanish verb neutralizar. It functions as the present subjunctive for the second-person plural (ustedes) and as the affirmative imperative when addressing a group. In both uses, it conveys actions that are desired, uncertain, hypothetical, or commanded.

Etymology and usage context: neutralizar combines the root neutral- with the suffix -izar, yielding a verb meaning to render neutral, to counteract, or to balance. The form neutralicen appears in clauses that require the subjunctive mood, as well as in direct commands directed at a group. It is common in technical, scientific, legal, and formal contexts where processes aim to negate or neutralize an effect, risk, or threat.

Grammatical notes: In Spanish, a present-subjunctive form like neutralicen is produced from the present indicative stem neutraliz- with the subjunctive endings -e, -es, -e, -emos, -en, and with vosotros forms not used here. As an affirmative command to ustedes, neutralicen is also used in instructional or procedural writing: “Neutralicen las sustancias antes de manipularlas.” After que in subordinate clauses, it expresses a desired or required action: “Es esencial que ustedes neutralicen las emisiones.” Irregularities are minimal; the stem neutraliz- remains constant.

Examples:

- Es importante que ustedes neutralicen las sustancias químicas antes de manipularlas.

- Neutralicen la fuente de calor para evitar reacciones peligrosas.

See also: conjugation of neutralizar; subjunctive mood in Spanish; imperative forms for ustedes.