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haberlo

ah-BEHR-loh

Verbal ConstructionB2complex form (infinitive + pronoun) er

to have done it?when forming the perfect infinitive (haberlo + past participle),having it?referring to a previous action or concept

Also:to have had that?referring to an abstract idea or situation

Quick Reference

infinitivehaber

gerundhabiendo

past Participlehabido

📝 In Action

Debimos haberlo comprado cuando tuvimos la oportunidad.

We should have bought it when we had the chance.

Siento no haberlo terminado a tiempo para la reunión.

I regret not having finished it in time for the meeting.

De haberlo sabido, no habría tomado ese camino.

If I had known it, I wouldn't have taken that road.

Es crucial haberlo documentado todo antes de presentar el informe.

It is crucial to have documented everything before presenting the report.

💡 Grammar Points

Structure: Infinitive + Pronoun

This word is formed by attaching the direct object pronoun 'lo' to the end of the infinitive verb 'haber'. This always happens when 'haber' is not conjugated (it doesn't change form).

The Neuter 'Lo'

The 'lo' here usually doesn't refer to a specific masculine noun, but rather to an abstract idea, a fact, or an entire situation that was previously discussed.

Use in Perfect Tense

'Haberlo' is the first part of the 'Perfect Infinitive' (e.g., 'haberlo dicho' or 'haberlo visto'). It means 'to have' plus the object ('it' or 'that'), followed by the action.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misplacing the Pronoun

Mistake: "Haber lo dicho (separating the pronoun)"

Correction: Haberlo dicho (The pronoun MUST be attached to the infinitive when used in this way).

Confusing 'Haber' with 'A ver'

Mistake: "A verlo hecho antes."

Correction: Haberlo hecho antes. ('A ver' means 'let's see' and sounds similar, but 'haber' is the auxiliary verb for 'to have done'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Trigger Phrases

You will often see 'haberlo' used after verbs or phrases that require the infinitive, such as 'deber' (should have), 'poder' (could have), or 'es necesario' (it is necessary to have).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: haberlo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'haberlo' to talk about a missed opportunity?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

haber(to have (auxiliary)) - verb

lo(it/that) - pronoun

habiendo(having (done)) - gerund

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I separate 'haber' and 'lo'?

No. When 'haber' is used as an infinitive (its basic, unconjugated form), any attached pronouns like 'lo' must be connected directly to the end of the word, forming a single unit like 'haberlo'.

Is 'haberlo' a conjugated verb?

No, 'haberlo' is an infinitive phrase, meaning it is the base form of the verb combined with a pronoun. It doesn't change based on who is doing the action (I, you, he/she, etc.).