use of personal 'a'
When do you use the personal 'a'
1 Answer
When the direct object is a person, it is preceded by the preposition "a."
The personal "a" may also be used if the direct object is a pet.
The basic rule is a simple one: the a precedes the mention of a specific person or persons used as a direct object, and (except in some rare cases where it's used for clarification) it is not used in other cases. Levantó la taza, he lifted the cup. Levantó a la muchacha , he lifted the girl. Oigo la orquesta, I hear the orchestra. Oigo a los músicos, I hear the musicians. Recuerdo el libro, I remember the book. Recuerdo a mi abuela, I remember my grandmother. The a is not used if the object doesn't refer to anyone specific. Conozco a dos carpinteros, I know two carpenters. But, necesito dos carpinteros, I need two carpenters.
