Ver and a?

Question

Why does ver have "a" after it sometimes, but not others?

For example:

Veo estatuas en una colina. (without a) Veo a un hombre en las escaleras. (with a)

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need "a" when "ver" is followed by a person. There are some other verbs which the direct object doesn't need any preposition if it's an object, but it does when it's a person, such as mirar, necesitar, querer, odiar, atrapar...

Veo algo; veo a alguien

Necesito algo, necesito a alguien

Quiero algo, quiero a alguien

Atrapo algo, atrapo a alguien

Answer 2

that is what i was always taught is called the "personal a". you have to use it when the thing recieving the action (whether it be being looked at or given something) is a person (hence PERSONal - easy way to remember) you must use the personal a to show that that specific person is the direct object of the action.