sosténlo

Sosténlo is a Spanish verbal phrase formed by the imperative mood of the verb sostener followed by the direct object pronoun lo. It translates roughly as “hold it” or “support it,” depending on the context. The form sostén corresponds to the informal tú command, used when addressing someone you know well; in formal contexts the equivalent is sostenga, and for plural you would use sostengan or sostenganlo accordingly. The pronoun lo stands for a masculine singular object, but the phrase can adapt to other genders and numbers (e.g., sosténla for a feminine singular object, sostenlos for masculine plural, sosténlas for feminine plural).

Grammatical notes: In affirmative tú imperatives, the direct object pronoun attaches to the verb, producing forms such as sosténlo, sosténla, sosténtalos, etc., with the accent adjusted to preserve the original stress on sostén. The object pronoun must agree in gender and number with the object being referred to. The phrase can also function metaphorically, meaning to back up or support a claim, argument, or plan, not only to physically hold an item.

Usage and examples: Sosténlo con ambas manos para evitar que caiga. Si ese cartel se mueve, sosténlo hasta que esté seguro. En un debate, podrías decir: “Sosténlo y explica por qué.” En la forma impersonal o formal, se usarían variaciones como sosténgalo, sosténganlo, según el destinatario.

Etymology: sostén proviene de sostener, con raíces en el latín sustentāre, y comparte la familia de palabras relacionadas con sustentar, apoyar y mantener.

See also: sostén, sostén adicional, sostener, sostén verbal.