Double Object Pronouns

Double object pronouns is a bit of a misnomer; it's just a shorter way of saying "two of any of the following: object pronouns, adverbial pronouns, and/or reflexive pronouns." So before studying this lesson, be sure you understand all of these types of pronouns - you'll find links to lessons in introduction to object pronouns.

There is a fixed order for double object pronouns, or rather two, depending on the verbal contruction:

1) In all verb tenses and moods except the affirmative imperative, object, adverbial, and reflexive pronouns always go in front of the verb,* and must be in the order as shown in the table at the bottom of the page.

   Je montre la carte à mon père - Je la lui montre.
   I'm showing the letter to my father - I'm showing it to him.

   Je mets la carte sur la table - Je l'y mets.
   I'm putting the letter on the table - I'm putting it there.

   Ne me les donnez pas.
   Don't give them to me.

   Il leur en a donné.
   He gave them some.

   Ils nous l'ont envoyé.
   They sent it to us

*See word order with object pronouns


2) When the verb is in the affirmative imperative, the pronouns follow the verb, are in a slightly different order, as shown in the table at the bottom of the page, and are connected by hyphens.

   Donnez-le-moi.
   Give it to me

   Vendez-nous-en.
   Sell us some

   Trouvez-le-moi.
   Find it for me

   Parlez-nous-y.
   Talk to us there

   Envoyez-le-lui.
   Send it to him

   Va-t'en !
   Go away!


Summary

In affirmative commands, the pronouns are placed after the verb, attached by hyphens, and are in a specific order. With all other verb tenses and moods, the pronouns are placed in a slightly different order in front of the conjugated verb.

Test on double object pronouns