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The Personal “A”

The Personal “A”. Craig Thomas B.A. Direct Objects. The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In the following sentences, the direct objects are underlined: Mike hit the  ball . George calls  Mary . He calls  her. Person As A Direct Object.

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The Personal “A”

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  1. The Personal “A” Craig Thomas B.A.

  2. Direct Objects • The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. In the following sentences, the direct objects are underlined: • Mike hit the ball. • George calls Mary. • He calls her.

  3. Person As A Direct Object • In Spanish, when the direct object is a person, it is preceded by the preposition "a.“ • Jorge llama aMaría.Jorge calls to María.

  4. The Personal “A” • From the perspective of the English speaker, the personal "a" appears to be an extra word. From the perspective of the Spanish speaker, the personal "a" is required, and to not use it is a serious error. • Jorge llama aMaría.Jorge calls María.

  5. For Pets/Domesticated Animals • The personal "a" may also be used if the direct object is a domesticated animal, especially a pet, provided that the speaker attaches some sort of personal feelings towards the animal. • La mujer acaricia a su perro. (acariciar)Thewomanpetsherdog. • El perro persigue a la gata. (perseguir)Thedogchasesthe cat.

  6. Inanimate Objects • The personal "a" is not used when the direct object is not a person or is an animal for which no personal feelings are felt. • Bebo la leche. (beber)I drink the milk. -- milk is neither a person nor an animal • Miro la jirafa. (mirar)I look at the giraffe. -- no personal feelings are felt towards the giraffe

  7. Tener/Haber • The personal "a" is not used after the verb tener, or the verb form hay. This is true even if the direct object is a person. • Tengo dos hermanos. (tener)I have two brothers. • Hay cincochicas. (haber)There are five girls.

  8. Indirect Object • If the direct object is an indefinite person, the personal "a" is not used. The result is that the person becomes "depersonalized.“ • Necesitomédico.I need (any) doctor. (or)I need medical assistance. • Necesitojardinero.I need (any) gardener. (or)I need someone to tend my garden.

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