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A mnemonic device using initials

Jaclyn knows that when using commands along with direct and indirect pronouns, sometimes she has to attach them to the end of the command form, but that at other times she doesn’t .  In order to remember when to do what, she uses a mnemonic device that revolves around initials:

From having used this strategy, Jaclyn is now used to attaching the pronoun(s) to the end of affirmative commands and not attaching then when she uses negative commands. 

Moreover, she also remembers that when the direct and indirect pronouns are not attached, they precede the negative command.

Let’s look at an example.  You have a Costa Rican friend who is very enthusiastic about the Spanish Grammar Strategies Website and you want him to give you the web address (la dirección).  In order to do this, you need the affirmative command da, the indirect object me, and the feminine direct object la.  Consequently, you say:

A few days later, you run into a classmate who coincidentally wants to give you the Spanish Grammar Strategies Website address because she’s found it very useful.  Since you already have the web address, you thank her and tell her that you don’t need it (since you already have it).  In order to do this, you need the word no, the negative command des, the indirect object me, and the feminine direct object la.  Consequently, you say: 

 

 

 

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