When do you need the contraction ''AL''?

Question

When do you need the contraction “AL”?

Answer 1

You need the contraction "al" when without it you would have "a el."

I love it , and correct also . - ray76, Dec 6, 2016

I like this answer too! - 005faa61, Dec 6, 2016

Unless you are talking about the name of a place/country (i.e. Ellos fueron a El Salvador or Él es de El Paso.) - codyandrews1993, Dec 7, 2016

Answer 2

One further point. "a" + "el" contracts to "al." as stated.

"a + él" does not contract because "él" is "stressed" (enfatizado).

Pancho me dijo que a él le gusta aprender lenguas.

furthermore Because Spanish speakers link their vowels when speaking, the combination of "a" plus unstressed "el" would sound like "al" anyhow. So I would imagine that the gramáticos at the RAE decided that if we pronounce it that way let's write it that way. Same thing with "de" + "el" becoming del. However "de" + "él" remains "de" + él."

The linking is still maintained but you do stress the "el" as a prolonged syllable. (as in "a + el")

It sounds like " aeél" and deél" no stopping or glottal stop between the two e's.

:) - ian-hill, Dec 6, 2016