romperlo

Romperlo is the non-finite construction formed in Spanish by the verb romper (to break) with the direct object pronoun lo attached, referring to a masculine singular object already mentioned in context. As a combination of a lexical verb and a clitic, romperlo is not a separate verb but a form used within larger verb phrases.

Usage and examples

Romperlo appears in sentences with finite verbs to express the act of breaking “it.” In periphrastic constructions, the pronoun attaches to the infinitive: Voy a romperlo (I am going to break it), Tengo que romperlo (I have to break it), Quiero romperlo (I want to break it). The pronoun remains attached to the infinitive when the verb is in non-finite form; in negative or affirmative commands built from a conjugated verb, the pronoun position follows standard Spanish rules (for example, No lo rompas in a negative tú command).

Variations and related forms

The direct object pronoun can change to match gender and number: romperlo (masculine singular), romperla (feminine singular), romperlos (masculine or mixed plural), romperlas (feminine plural). The core idea is the same: a verb in its infinitive with a clitic pronoun that refers to a direct object.

Grammar and context

Romperlo illustrates how Spanish uses clitic pronouns with infinitives to create concise expressions of intention, obligation, or description within larger clauses. It relates to general rules about clitic placement, pronoun gender agreement, and infinitival constructions in Spanish grammar. See also romper, clitic pronouns, and infinitives.