Indirect object pronouns are redundant?

Question

Can someone explain why we have to say "a ellos les gusta caminar por jardin"?

Why can't we simply say "Ellos gusta caminar por jardin"?

Ellos and les both mean "they", so why do we say it twice?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

Why?

Because that is how Spanish speakers as a whole have decided to use their language. So it is considered the correct grammar.

Why do I need the word "it" in the following statement?:

It is important to follow the rules by which the native speakers choose to use their language.

Why can't I just say:

Is important to follow the rules by which the native speakers choose to use their language.

I mean, really if you asked me what "it" means there, I would have to think for a while, and finally probably just say "what is important".

By the way, you do not need the "a ellos" if it is already clear who you are talking about. But you must have the "les" regardless.

Now you can't say "ellos gustan" because ellos is the indirect object not the subject of the sentence, so the above explanation is predicated on the idea that you understand how gustar works.

Yes, please no personal pronouns unless absolutely necessary. - rac1, Jan 8, 2016

Well no unnecessary subject pronouns, in Spanish. We of course use unnecessary ones in English, and Spanish is okay with "unnecessary" object pronouns. ;) - bosquederoble, Jan 8, 2016

Answer 2

You can just say it this way "Les gusta caminar por EL jardin" as a native do. Or if you want to emphasize they you can say "A ellos les gusta caminar por el jardin" , in Spanish the reflexibe verbs work this way.

You can say also without "les" Ellos gustan de dar paseos por el jardin" but at this way it sounds as archaic Spanish.

Please correct my English

... "as natives do" or "as a native does" or "as a native would." - AnnRon, Jan 8, 2016

Es un placer verte aquí de nuevo. :) - bosquederoble, Jan 8, 2016

You can also say it without "les" as "ellos gustan de dar paseos por el jardín" but this way it sounds archaic. :) - bosquederoble, Jan 8, 2016

(or "this way it sounds like archaic Spanish"). Reflexive, with a v. And of course what Ann said. :) - bosquederoble, Jan 8, 2016

I thought it needed an article with jardín. :) - bosquederoble, Jan 9, 2016

gracias bosque - 000a35ff, Jan 10, 2016