Page 387 Realidades 1 The Personal “a”
Direct Objects You know that the direct object is the person or thing that receives the action of a verb.
Direct Objects For example… I bought the shirt. Which word is the direct object? Right! The shirt.
The Personal “a” In Spanish, when the direct object is a specific person or group of people, we use an “a” before it. That’s why it’s called the personal “a."
The Personal “a” Which one of these sentences needs an “a” ? Quiero visitar el museo. Quiero visitar mis abuelos. Quiero visitar a mis abuelos.
The Personal “a” The “a” doesn’t mean anything. It simply is correct grammatically to put the personal “a” before a direct object that is a person.
The Personal “a” What’s wrong with the following sentence? Quiero visitar a el señor López. Quiero visitar al señor López.
The Personal “a” To ask who receives the action of a verb, we use A quién? A quién quieres visitar? Quiero visitar a mis primos.
The Personal “a” We can also use the personal a when the direct object is an animal, especially a pet. Busco a mi perro.
The Personal “a” We usually do not use the personal “a” after the verb tener. Tengo muchos tíos.
To Review…Use “a” Before the……when the…..is a ……. When the direct object is an…. Not after the verb…… Good!!