Use of the "personal a" in Spanish  


The "personal a"

The preposition "a" precedes direct objects and goes after verbs refering to people, sometimes animals.

Yo conozco a María.
I know Mary.

Because it is used before people, this is called the "personal a". We often use the personal a with:

People

    Tú guías a la niña.
    You guide the girl.
    Necesita ver a su doctor.
    You need to see your doctor.

Pets

    Yo saco a mi perrito todos los días.
    I take my puppy out every day.

Exceptions:
We don't use the personal a with the verbs tener, necesitar, buscar, and haber:

    the verb tener

  • Tengo dos hijos.
    I have two children.

    • forms of haber

  • En mi familia hay seis personas.
    In my family there are six people.

    • non-specific people

  • Busco un abogado.
    I'm looking for [any] lawyer.

The Flashcards, Videos and Quizzes to the right provide many examples of the use of the personal a in conversation.

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