Why there is another "a" ?

Question

Quiero hablar través de skype ( wrong) Quiero hablar a través de Skype. ( correct, according to a native speaker)

I need an explanation, Quiero hablar( I want to talk) ,why there is another "a (to)" ?

Regards Anshul

In English, we say "Why is there another 'a'?", not "Why there is". :] - AlyssaLTerry, Aug 28, 2013

Thank you AlyssLTerry - an5hul, Aug 28, 2013

Answer 1

Another way to say this is to say "Quiero hablar por Skype". In this case the "por" means "by".

That's true! And that's certainly a more natural way to say it. - 003492fc, Aug 28, 2013

Answer 2

Hi there an5hul,

A través de es una locución preposicional (prepositional phrase). It means 'through' (from one side to the other side) and these three words have a full meaning when they are together.

For example, in English you say 'in front of' and you can not delete the word 'of' without loosing the meaning.

I hope this helps.

[Feel free to correct my English. Thank you]

Gracias atxeko - an5hul, Aug 28, 2013

Good Explanation. - gringojrf, Aug 28, 2013