Redundant "Yo"
I don't understand how "yo" is used with possessive words - like, why can't I say "Tengo" instead of "Yo tengo"? It feels so redundant .A Beginner
3 Answers
The personal subject pronouns are only used when a contrast or emphasis is needed for a clear reason:
Contrast: There are two or more people and you want to refer to just one or several within the group: "Él es listo, pero ella es más lista aún".
Contrast: To talk about anything making very clear that it is your way as opposed to what other people would think, say or do. For example, "I don't know about the rest, but I think that..." can be simply said as "Yo creo que...", where that "yo" implicitly separates you from the rest.
Contrast: If someone has just said something and now you want to say something about the same issue, by making a contrast between both opinion you are effectively acknowledging what the other person say, especially when giving your opinion about something. Omitting the pronoun could sound sometimes as if you didn't even hear what the other said. "Voy a ir al cine -- Pues yo me voy a mi casa."
Emphasis: If you are a megalomaniac, narcissistic, pompous, self-absorbed person... or a foreigner (hehehe).
If the context is clear, as in the word "tengo", then yes, the "yo" is redundant. I believe it can be used to add emphasis such as "yo tengo tres brazos", I and only I have three arms. A silly example, I know, but I trust you get my drift.
By the way, welcome to the forum.
I agree with Eddy, and you will always be corrected if you use the redundant pronouns here on SpanishDict.
Sometimes, in a classroom setting, the teacher may want you to write the pronouns just to be sure that you have the conjugations correct; however, they are rarely used in real life speaking or writing.
