SlideShare a Scribd company logo
The
“personal a”
a construction
unique to Spanish
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.
In Spanish, when the direct object is a person, it is
preceded by the preposition "a." This word has no
English translation.
Jorge llama a
María.
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 not to use it is a serious error.
La mujer acaricia a su perro. (acariciar)
The woman pets her dog.
El perro persigue a la gata. (perseguir)
The dog chases the cat.
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.
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
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 cinco chicas.
There are five girls.

More Related Content

What's hot

8th Verb Tenses
8th Verb Tenses8th Verb Tenses
8th Verb Tenses
CM Ites
 
Verbs and types of verbs.
Verbs and types of verbs.Verbs and types of verbs.
Verbs and types of verbs.
kparuk
 
Conjunction
ConjunctionConjunction
Conjunction
Hashim Anwar
 
Verb and its types
Verb and its typesVerb and its types
Verb and its types
Chi-Chi-Kids-Club
 
Conjunctions
ConjunctionsConjunctions
Conjunctions
KristelleOng1
 
Verbs 1 grade 8
Verbs 1 grade 8Verbs 1 grade 8
Verbs 1 grade 8
MrsSevCTK
 
Articles
ArticlesArticles
Articles
kamigodoy
 
What are verbs
What are verbsWhat are verbs
What are verbs
willyscience
 
Verb classification
Verb classificationVerb classification
Verb classification
Pensil Dan Pemadam
 
White grammar lesson
White grammar lessonWhite grammar lesson
White grammar lesson
Ashley White
 
White grammar lesson
White grammar lessonWhite grammar lesson
White grammar lesson
Ashley White
 
Similes
SimilesSimiles
Similes
marianjohnson
 
Types of verbs according to form
Types of verbs according to formTypes of verbs according to form
Types of verbs according to form
Gramaticadelingles2
 
Module 6 lesson 6.1
Module 6 lesson 6.1Module 6 lesson 6.1
Module 6 lesson 6.1
Mondstrahl
 
Brushtroke/writing Phrases
Brushtroke/writing PhrasesBrushtroke/writing Phrases
Brushtroke/writing Phrases
adkins21
 
Verb phrases
Verb phrasesVerb phrases
Verb phrases
Allan Paul Mataya
 
Verbos como gustar
Verbos como gustarVerbos como gustar
Verbos como gustar
teddybearmelo
 
Expressing actions ar verbs
Expressing actions  ar verbsExpressing actions  ar verbs
Expressing actions ar verbs
vanessa_holanda
 
Indirect Object Pronouns Notes
Indirect Object Pronouns NotesIndirect Object Pronouns Notes
Indirect Object Pronouns Notes
Dr. John D Horn High School
 

What's hot (19)

8th Verb Tenses
8th Verb Tenses8th Verb Tenses
8th Verb Tenses
 
Verbs and types of verbs.
Verbs and types of verbs.Verbs and types of verbs.
Verbs and types of verbs.
 
Conjunction
ConjunctionConjunction
Conjunction
 
Verb and its types
Verb and its typesVerb and its types
Verb and its types
 
Conjunctions
ConjunctionsConjunctions
Conjunctions
 
Verbs 1 grade 8
Verbs 1 grade 8Verbs 1 grade 8
Verbs 1 grade 8
 
Articles
ArticlesArticles
Articles
 
What are verbs
What are verbsWhat are verbs
What are verbs
 
Verb classification
Verb classificationVerb classification
Verb classification
 
White grammar lesson
White grammar lessonWhite grammar lesson
White grammar lesson
 
White grammar lesson
White grammar lessonWhite grammar lesson
White grammar lesson
 
Similes
SimilesSimiles
Similes
 
Types of verbs according to form
Types of verbs according to formTypes of verbs according to form
Types of verbs according to form
 
Module 6 lesson 6.1
Module 6 lesson 6.1Module 6 lesson 6.1
Module 6 lesson 6.1
 
Brushtroke/writing Phrases
Brushtroke/writing PhrasesBrushtroke/writing Phrases
Brushtroke/writing Phrases
 
Verb phrases
Verb phrasesVerb phrases
Verb phrases
 
Verbos como gustar
Verbos como gustarVerbos como gustar
Verbos como gustar
 
Expressing actions ar verbs
Expressing actions  ar verbsExpressing actions  ar verbs
Expressing actions ar verbs
 
Indirect Object Pronouns Notes
Indirect Object Pronouns NotesIndirect Object Pronouns Notes
Indirect Object Pronouns Notes
 

Viewers also liked

Demonstrative circles
Demonstrative circlesDemonstrative circles
Demonstrative circles
Stanley Garland
 
El pretérito
El pretéritoEl pretérito
El pretérito
gilesmn
 
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pubFeral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
Stanley Garland
 
-er -ir preterite verbs
-er -ir preterite verbs-er -ir preterite verbs
-er -ir preterite verbs
Stanley Garland
 
Requirements Simplified Rod Hardman
Requirements Simplified   Rod HardmanRequirements Simplified   Rod Hardman
Requirements Simplified Rod Hardman
Rod Hardman
 
Tequila - Dime que me quieres
Tequila - Dime que me quieresTequila - Dime que me quieres
Tequila - Dime que me quieres
NoeliaRG
 

Viewers also liked (6)

Demonstrative circles
Demonstrative circlesDemonstrative circles
Demonstrative circles
 
El pretérito
El pretéritoEl pretérito
El pretérito
 
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pubFeral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
Feral hogs-in-georgia-free-informational-pub
 
-er -ir preterite verbs
-er -ir preterite verbs-er -ir preterite verbs
-er -ir preterite verbs
 
Requirements Simplified Rod Hardman
Requirements Simplified   Rod HardmanRequirements Simplified   Rod Hardman
Requirements Simplified Rod Hardman
 
Tequila - Dime que me quieres
Tequila - Dime que me quieresTequila - Dime que me quieres
Tequila - Dime que me quieres
 

More from Stanley Garland

Mark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
Mark Chmura from the Green Bay PackersMark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
Mark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
Stanley Garland
 
Mexico city
Mexico cityMexico city
Mexico city
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish Verb tener and its expressions
Spanish Verb tener and its expressionsSpanish Verb tener and its expressions
Spanish Verb tener and its expressions
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabularySpanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabularySpanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Stanley Garland
 
La reconquista de españa
La reconquista de españaLa reconquista de españa
La reconquista de españa
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13pSpanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
Stanley Garland
 
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
Stanley Garland
 
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
Stanley Garland
 
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish 2 curriculum map
Spanish 2 curriculum mapSpanish 2 curriculum map
Spanish 2 curriculum map
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish 1 curriculum map
Spanish 1 curriculum mapSpanish 1 curriculum map
Spanish 1 curriculum map
Stanley Garland
 
Spanish dept discipline plan
Spanish dept discipline planSpanish dept discipline plan
Spanish dept discipline plan
Stanley Garland
 
Ir + a + infinitive
Ir + a + infinitiveIr + a + infinitive
Ir + a + infinitive
Stanley Garland
 
Verbs with -g in the Yo form
Verbs with -g in the Yo formVerbs with -g in the Yo form
Verbs with -g in the Yo form
Stanley Garland
 
Calendario
CalendarioCalendario
Calendario
Stanley Garland
 
Colores
ColoresColores
Como eres
Como eresComo eres
Como eres
Stanley Garland
 

More from Stanley Garland (20)

Mark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
Mark Chmura from the Green Bay PackersMark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
Mark Chmura from the Green Bay Packers
 
Spa2chp4 2vocabtest
Spa2chp4 2vocabtestSpa2chp4 2vocabtest
Spa2chp4 2vocabtest
 
Chp4 2vocabtest
Chp4 2vocabtestChp4 2vocabtest
Chp4 2vocabtest
 
Mexico city
Mexico cityMexico city
Mexico city
 
Spanish Verb tener and its expressions
Spanish Verb tener and its expressionsSpanish Verb tener and its expressions
Spanish Verb tener and its expressions
 
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabularySpanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 2 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
 
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabularySpanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
Spanish 1 quiz chp 2.1 vocabulary
 
La reconquista de españa
La reconquista de españaLa reconquista de españa
La reconquista de españa
 
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13pSpanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
Spanish 1 quiz 9 5-13p
 
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
Arranging the classroom by Stanley Garland, Ed.
 
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 2 pacing guide 2013
 
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
Wchs spanish 1 pacing guide 2013
 
Spanish 2 curriculum map
Spanish 2 curriculum mapSpanish 2 curriculum map
Spanish 2 curriculum map
 
Spanish 1 curriculum map
Spanish 1 curriculum mapSpanish 1 curriculum map
Spanish 1 curriculum map
 
Spanish dept discipline plan
Spanish dept discipline planSpanish dept discipline plan
Spanish dept discipline plan
 
Ir + a + infinitive
Ir + a + infinitiveIr + a + infinitive
Ir + a + infinitive
 
Verbs with -g in the Yo form
Verbs with -g in the Yo formVerbs with -g in the Yo form
Verbs with -g in the Yo form
 
Calendario
CalendarioCalendario
Calendario
 
Colores
ColoresColores
Colores
 
Como eres
Como eresComo eres
Como eres
 

Recently uploaded

Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S EliotSkimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
nitinpv4ai
 
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsxData Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
Prof. Dr. K. Adisesha
 
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem studentsRHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
Himanshu Rai
 
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptxSWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
zuzanka
 
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A  Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.pptLevel 3 NCEA - NZ: A  Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
Henry Hollis
 
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
deepaannamalai16
 
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour TrainingNutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
melliereed
 
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) CurriculumPhilippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
MJDuyan
 
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
GeorgeMilliken2
 
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
nitinpv4ai
 
Wound healing PPT
Wound healing PPTWound healing PPT
Wound healing PPT
Jyoti Chand
 
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
IsmaelVazquez38
 
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skillsspot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
haiqairshad
 
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
TechSoup
 
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation resultsTemple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
Krassimira Luka
 
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptxRESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
zuzanka
 
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
PsychoTech Services
 
Educational Technology in the Health Sciences
Educational Technology in the Health SciencesEducational Technology in the Health Sciences
Educational Technology in the Health Sciences
Iris Thiele Isip-Tan
 
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
EduSkills OECD
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S EliotSkimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
Skimbleshanks-The-Railway-Cat by T S Eliot
 
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsxData Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
Data Structure using C by Dr. K Adisesha .ppsx
 
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem studentsRHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
RHEOLOGY Physical pharmaceutics-II notes for B.pharm 4th sem students
 
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptxSWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
SWOT analysis in the project Keeping the Memory @live.pptx
 
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A  Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.pptLevel 3 NCEA - NZ: A  Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
Level 3 NCEA - NZ: A Nation In the Making 1872 - 1900 SML.ppt
 
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
Standardized tool for Intelligence test.
 
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour TrainingNutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
Nutrition Inc FY 2024, 4 - Hour Training
 
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) CurriculumPhilippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) Curriculum
 
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
 
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
Oliver Asks for More by Charles Dickens (9)
 
Wound healing PPT
Wound healing PPTWound healing PPT
Wound healing PPT
 
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
BÀI TẬP BỔ TRỢ TIẾNG ANH LỚP 9 CẢ NĂM - GLOBAL SUCCESS - NĂM HỌC 2024-2025 - ...
 
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
Bossa N’ Roll Records by Ismael Vazquez.
 
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skillsspot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
spot a liar (Haiqa 146).pptx Technical writhing and presentation skills
 
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
Elevate Your Nonprofit's Online Presence_ A Guide to Effective SEO Strategies...
 
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation resultsTemple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
Temple of Asclepius in Thrace. Excavation results
 
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptxRESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE.pptx
 
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...
 
Educational Technology in the Health Sciences
Educational Technology in the Health SciencesEducational Technology in the Health Sciences
Educational Technology in the Health Sciences
 
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...
 

The personal "a"

  • 2. 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. In Spanish, when the direct object is a person, it is preceded by the preposition "a." This word has no English translation.
  • 4. Jorge llama a María. 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 not to use it is a serious error.
  • 5. La mujer acaricia a su perro. (acariciar) The woman pets her dog. El perro persigue a la gata. (perseguir) The dog chases the cat. 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.
  • 6. 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. 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 cinco chicas. There are five girls.