Comparisons and personal "a"

Question

I have a question about comparisons and transitive verbs that take an "a" in front of direct objects when referring to people.

For example: "Necesito a Rosa más que a Fidel". Is "a" in "a Fidel" correct?

Now I have a different example with the verb "gustar". "A Luisa le gusta el cine más que a Jaime".?

Is it correct to say "que a Jaime" or "que Jaime"?

The above examples are mine, so if there are mistakes please correct them.

Answer 1

"Necesito a Rosa más que una secretaria (cualquiera)". Then I don't use "a" in front of the " una secretaria", do I?

Both are probably correct, but the version with "a" sounds more like you are talking about a real person that will be sitting on a particular chair, rather than just naming a secretary like a mere abstraction.

I wanted to say "I need Rosa more than any other secretary". I see the difference. - ianta, Jul 1, 2011

Answer 2

The names in both your examples are objects of verbs, so you need the personal "a" in each case.

The sentences sound right.

Gracias :)! - ianta, Jul 1, 2011

Answer 3

"A Luisa le gusta el cine más que Jaime".

This is also correct but means something different. "She likes movies more than (she likes) Jaime."

Answer 4

"Necesito a Rosa más que a Fidel".

This is correct, both objects are people.

"A Luisa le gusta el cine más que a Jaime"

Correct, the pleasing is directed to both people involved.

Answer 5

My only contribution here is in Mexico you can say both and people get the same idea and I have heard both options.

Answer 6

Normally, if the direct object is a definite person (or a personalized thing) you have to use the pronoun "a".

Necesito a Rosa. Necesito a mi esposa. Necesito al director. Necesito a Rin tin tin.

If the direct object is a thing or an indefinite person you simply omit the "a".

Necesito dinero. Necesito unas pinzas. Necesito gasolina. Necesito un médico. Necesito una secretaria. Necesito un carpintero. Necesito un contador. Necesito un gerente de recursos humanos...

This rule is independent of the comparative structure.

Necesito a Juan más que a Pedro.

Necesito una enfermera, más que un médico.

Answer 7

I wanted to say "I need Rosa more than any other secretary".

In this case, just the one personal "a" is needed:

"Necesito a Rosa más que cualquier otra secretaria."

Gracias JulianChivi. - ianta, Jul 1, 2011

Answer 8

Your answers made me think of another example. If I have:

"Necesito a Rosa más que una secretaria (cualquiera)". Then I don't use "a" in front of the " una secretaria", do I?