Are the following 2 sentences correct? Using pedir and buscar

Question

1) Los sobrevivientes buscaron los heridos y los muertos.

2) Los invitados pidieron las bebidas.

What I don't get is that buscar is "to look for" right? Or is it just "to look?" Will I have to say buscaron POR los heridos y los muertos. Same for number 2.

Yes buscar is "to look for." - Mainer, Jun 4, 2013

Answer 1

No, they're good as is. The only thing you might need would be an impersonal "a" in the first sentence.

Thank you, but can you tell me where you should put this "a" - randomguy123, Jun 3, 2013

Answer 2

As stated, you're correct as is by leaving out "por". What BigMike was mentioning is that the impersonal "a" is a preposition which shows the relationship between the subject and the object when the object is a person (or a familiar pet maybe).

1) Los sobrevivientes buscaron a los heridos y (a) los muertos.

However, in the second sentences, the guests are ordering the drinks. The object (the drinks) isn't a person, so the impersonal "a" doesn't apply.

I put the second "a" in parentheses because repeating the preposition is a nuance of personal preference.

Answer 3

Thanks, but is "impersonal a" really necessary? We didn't learn that in class, and for oral exams, I don't know if the teacher will accept it as "Level 2 vocab and grammar."

it is proper to use "a" and it can not hurt your grade. They can't take off points for using proper grammar. - chellapadua, Jun 4, 2013

Answer 4

Thank you, but can you tell me where you should put this "a"