Why is the "a" sometimes needed between some Spanish verbs...& sometimes not?

Question

Un día Sin Nombre fue a ver a su amigo que vivía en la casa de al lado.

Can someone tell me why the first "a" is needed in "fue a ver" if its translation is that he "went to see" his friend?

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are a zillion reasons why you may or may not need the a in any given situation. In this particular case, the first a is required just because that's the way they say it. There are some verbs that are always followed by an a if they are then followed by an infinitive. Ir is one of those verbs. Here is a list of some of the other verbs.

The second a is called the personal a. If the verb refers to a specific person as the direct object you need the personal a. In this case you are going to see a friend. In Spanish it just has to have an a in it.

If the friend is known as with "his" friend. Busco amigo. (any penpal) Busco a un amigo mío. (known friend) - 0074b507, Feb 10, 2012

Great answer Kevin. - mtmonadnock, Feb 10, 2012

Answer 2

Ir + a + infinitive is a common construction. It's just the way it is.

Fue a ver, he went to see.

Vamos a ver, we are going to see / we'll see.

Iba a ver lo que pasa, He was going to see what happened.

I seem to be following you around tonight. :-) - KevinB, Feb 9, 2012

Right, but you are giving much more thoughtful answers. Thanks! - Jeremias, Feb 10, 2012