As you have seen in the previous chapter the reflexive pronouns precede the conjugated verb (io mi lavo, mi precedes lavo), but it always hooks on the end when we use them with an infinitive form. Verbs and expressions like preferire (to prefer) cominciare a … (to start …), finire di… (to finish), avere bisogno di … (to need …) etc. are often followed by an infinitive.

In the case the final -e of the infinitive is dropped and the pronoun is attached directly to the infinitive form.

When a modal verbs (volere, potere, dovere) precedes the infinitive the pronoun can precede the modal verb, or it hooks on the end of the infinitive. In this case remember to drop the final -e of the infinitive form:

Translate into Italian the following sentences (use  if necessary )

Some friends of mine  prefer to take cold baths.

They are really dirty. They need to wash themselves more often.

You are scared to fall in love with Sara.

Sometimes I like dressing up like a clown.

Complete the sentences with modal verbs and reflexive using both possibilities  

Domani mattina io    /   molto presto.
(dovere – alzarsi)

Noi    /   alla festa di laurea.
(volere – divertirsi)

Prima di andare a letto voi    / bene i denti.
(dovere – lavarsi)

Loro sono molto amici; non /
(volere- salutarsi)

(Io) / ?
(potere – sedersi)

Lei  / del mio compleanno.
(dovere – ricordarsi)

Vincenzo e Alessia si amano, ma non / .
(volere – sposarsi)

& Listen to the audio file and match what you hear with the pictures