1. A PERSONAL

2. WHAT IS A DIRECT OBJECT?
A direct object is the person or object receiving the action of a verb.
Por ejemplo
Mary hit the ball
George calls Mary
He calls her

3. There is no translation for this in English.
In Spanish, when the direct object is a person, the word “a” comes before the direct object.
Juan llama a Ana
There is no translation for this in English.

4. The personal a may also be used with a domesticated animal if the animal is your pet.
The personal a is not used when the direct object is not a person or no feelings are felt for the animal
Por ejemplo
Yo lavo a mi perro Spot
Yo miro la jirafa (no personal connection)
Yo bebo la leche

5. The personal a is not used after the verb tener o after the verb form hay
Por ejemplo
Tengo dos hermanas
Hay treinta personas en la clase

6. If the direct object is not a specific person, the personal a is not used
Por ejemplo
Yo necesito médico (I need a doctor, (any) doctor/medical assistance)
Yo necesito jardinero (I need a gardener (any) gardener)
In these examples the direct object is an indefinite person.

7. Fill in the blank with the personal a if necessary, if not, write an X
Yo veo ___ Carolina
Yo veo ___ la casa de Carolina
La profesora escucha ___ los estudiantes.
Yo escucho ___ la música.
Visito ___ mis abuelos.
Visito ___ la cuidad de mis abuelos.
Usted tiene ___ muchos hermanos.
Hay ___ treinta y uno estudiantes en la clase.