Applying the Spanish "A" to Direct Objects.
Hello, everyone! Here's my dilemma: I have been having trouble with applying the Spanish "a" to sentences which include only a direct object. Below, I have included example sentences to which I would like you to apply this particular construction.
I like fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. My sister goes to school at 09:00 p.m. The man has a black mustache and a black beard. I hate biting my fingernails. What time are you going to lunch?
Thank you very much for your knowledge!
2 Answers
Hiya, that's a good question that you've asked there but may I make a suggestion? It's always a good idea to post your own attempt as well, for your benefit as much as ours.
If you post your attempt, then 1) for your benefit your mind goes through the process and sometimes you figure out the answer yourself doing that, and 2) for our benefit we can see where you're going wrong and can better help you.
As Maxwell correctly stated the personal 'a' is nearly always only used before people (or pets) when they are used as the direct object of a sentence. I say nearly always because there are also some pronouns that always take the personal 'a' such as 'alguien', 'nadie' quién' etc (when they're used as a direct object that is).
This lesson might give you a bit more understanding on the subject if you'd like to learn more about the uses of 'The Spanish a'.
In the meantime now you can go through your sentences and if the direct object is not a person (or a pet) then you will know that the 'a' is not necessary and you can relax (smiley).
I'm going to take a shot at it, but it seems I always have at least one error in these, so take it with a grain of salt. Maybe we both can learn something.
1) Me gusta pescar, pasear en barca y acampar.
2) Mi hermana va a la escuela a las nueve de la noche
3) El hombre tiene un bigote negro y una barba negra.
4) Odio comerme las uñas
5) A qué hora almuerza?
I don't think that direct object pronouns often take an "a", unless it's a person or a large animal/pet
