When should the spanish personal "a" be used.

Question

Example: La semana que viene le gustaría ir a comer.

Why is the "a" before the word, "comer".

Answer 1

As Samdie already stated, this is not the "personal a" that you are referring to.

Here is a link to the reference article on prepositions that explains this rule in a bit more detail.

I like this link. - Tamara-Van-Hook, SEP 24, 2009

If you like the way that that article explained prepositions then try looking through the other reference topics. You might find a lot more useful information - Izanoni1, SEP 24, 2009

Answer 2

In phrases like "ir a + infinitive", or "aprender a + infinitive" it means "to" (be going to do sth, learn to do sth). English also has two kinds of infinitives: bare inf. (swim, play) and to inf. (to swim, to play). The above phrase is just an example of a verb pattern, when one verb determines the form of the following.

And your sentence means: Next week he'd like to eat out (correct me if I'm wrong).

Answer 3

P.S. This has nothing to do with the "personal a". It's simply a question of the use of "ir a ...".

Good point Samdie - Izanoni1, SEP 24, 2009

Answer 4

"a" is word that gives direction to a verb. Spanish always goes in a direction and the personal "a" points the direction. "Yo le hablo" is a kind of thing that would make me thing "to who????" "Yo le hablo a el" Tells me what I need to know...I spoke to him. "Yo me fui" Pues...a donde???? "Yo me fui a mercado" Ohh....ok I see.