When to Use Enclisis

Enclisis is the placement of the pronounlaterofverb.

There are two more types of position: Proclisis (pronoun before the verb) and Mesoclisis (pronoun in the middle of the verb).

Examples:

• I phoned you at the agreed time. (Enclisis)
• Yesterday mesaid that would not come. (Proclisis)
• would invite you if you wanted. (Mesoclisis)

After reading this article you will have no more doubts about using either position! Remembering that Enclisis is only used when the use of Proclisis or Mesoclisis is not possible:

1. When the verb starts the prayer. Example: You did me a favor. Only that!
2. With verb in the affirmative imperative. Example: When I advise, remove him from the room.
3. With impersonal infinitive verb. Example: I promise to love you.
4. With gerund verb. Example: You live punishing him for no apparent reason.

after comma

When verbs are preceded by adverbs, we use proclisis. However, if there is a comma after the adverb, the enclisis must be used, since in this case the adverb no longer attracts the pronoun.

Examples:

• Yesterday they gave me the news.
• After all, they gave me the news.

When not to use

With verbs in the Future of Present or Future of Past tense - because in these cases only mesoclisis or proclisis should be used. Example: I'll call you as soon as I can.

as well as in situations in which proclisis is required:

• In negative prayers. Example: I didn't see her...
• With relative, indefinite or demonstrative pronouns. Example: That made you cry with laughter.
• In exclamatory prayers and in prayers that express desire. Example: I hope they answer me!
• In clauses with subordinate conjunctions. Example: Although we've known her for years, we don't talk much.
• With verb in the ruled gerund of the preposition em. Example: When deciding, I call.
• In interrogative prayers. Example: Who will respond to the survey?
• With verbs preceded by adverbs or adverbial expressions. Example: I discreetly told you that I would be absent tomorrow.

Exercise

Indicate the cases in which enclisis should have been used instead of proclisis.

a) Your biggest goal is to graduate.
b) Never raise your voice to me like that.
c) After eating, brush your teeth immediately!
d) Tell me the news!
e) Please return the documents to me.

See Answer

a) Your biggest goal is to graduate
c) After eating, brush your teeth immediately!
d) Tell me the news!

For you to understand better:

• pronominal placement
• When to use proclisis
• When to use mesoclisis
• pronominal placement exercises