Double object pronouns in French must be placed in a specific order within the sentence, depending on the tense and mood of the verb. Here is how to position them correctly, with examples to illustrate each case.
Simple Tenses (present, imperfect, future, etc.)
In simple tenses, double pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb.
- Je le lui donne.
- Elle me les envoie.
- Nous te la montrerons.
Compound Tenses (passé composé, pluperfect, etc.)
In compound tenses, double pronouns are also placed before the auxiliary.
- Je le lui ai donné.
- Elle me les a envoyés.
- Nous te l'avions montré.
Imperative
In the affirmative imperative, double pronouns are placed after the verb and are connected by hyphens. In the negative imperative, they are placed before the verb.
- Affirmative: Donne-le-lui !
- Negative: Ne le lui donne pas !
Additional Examples
- Present: Tu me le promets ?
- Imperfect: Vous le lui expliquiez souvent.
- Simple Future: Ils nous les apporteront.
- Passé Composé: Je te l'ai déjà dit.
- Pluperfect: Elle me l'avait promis.
- Affirmative Imperative: Montre-le-leur !
- Negative Imperative: Ne nous les donne pas !