Certain Verbs like Gustar
I was compiling a list of the verbs like "gustar", and some of them I know I had seen without the "me, te, le, etc" before the verb. So i looked at some examples and I found some of the verbs on the list indeed did not have the "me, te, le, etc" before they were used. So I was wondering if there was a certain set of rules for some of the verbs? Because every time I have seen "gustar" it had the "me, te, le, etc" with it, but verbs listed on the site like sobrar, fascinar, etc do not always have it.
For clarification: Caber is listed as a "Verb like Gustar" in the page, but in the examples page there is a sentence like this: Ochenta personas caben en ese coche de tren.
So is caber (and other verbs) only like "gustar" in certain situations?
2 Answers
Spurnish:
There are many verbs in Spanish which have two, three or even more constructions depending on how they are being used. One thing you can see in the dictionary, for example, is that many verbs can be used transitively (with a direct object) or intransitively (without a direct object).
Verbs only use an indirect object without a direct object (as gustar usually does) when they are being used intransitively...by definition...OK?...if they were being used transitively there would be a direct object.
You asked about caber...read the dictionary entries for caber. When something does not fit a person, then caber is "used like gustar" When something does not fit into an object, then it is use like most other verbs .... no indirect object pronoun used. And there are many other ways it is used that are not translated with "fit" and it appears that these used do not use an indirect object pronoun either.
Focus on learning phrases that you can use in speaking and writing, and then, if you're not already, start reading in Spanish about things that really interest you and that you are knowledgeable about in English. You'll be surprised how much you will be able to understand. And by reading things you understand you'll learn a lot of Spanish grammar and vocabulary because you'll be often be able to guess what things mean because of your knowledge of the subject. After all, whether you realize it or not, this was one of the major ways that you became proficient in English. Enjoy!
One great place to read is the Spanish Wiki. Pick your favorite hobby or sport and start reading about it, or about the stars of that sport, etc. When you come across a word you don't know, and it is highlighted in blue, click on them (sometimes) and you'll be taken to an article about it just like the English Wiki.
