French Object Pronouns

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Object pronouns go in front of the verb in all* tenses, simple and compound. In compound tenses, the pronouns precede the auxiliary verb. But in dual-verb constructions, where there are two different verbs, the object pronouns go in front of the second verb.

Simple tenses

   Je lui parle. - I'm talking to him.
   Il t'aime. - He loves you.
   Nous le faisions. - We were making it.

Compound tenses

   Je lui ai parlé. - I talked to him.
   Il t'aurait aimé. - He would have loved you.
   Nous l'avons fait. - We made it.

Dual-verb constructions

   Je dois lui parler. - I have to talk to him.
   Il peut t'aimer. - He can love you.
   Nous détestons le faire. - We hate making it.

*Except the affirmative imperative

   Fais-le. - Make it.
   Aime-moi. - Love me.

Use these links to learn all about object, adverbial, and reflexive pronouns, including how to use them and correct word order.

Introduction to object pronouns

Direct objects

Indirect objects

Direct vs indirect objects

Y and en

Reflexive pronouns

Word order with object pronouns

Double object pronouns: placement/order

Neuter object pronoun: optional le