1. 25 Es el 31 de marzo. The Personal “a”

2. The Personal “a”
When the direct object of sentence is a person, you must put “a” before it.
This is called the personal “a.”
Only exists in Spanish.
Has no translation in English.

3. Ejemplos I am looking for Julio. Yo busco a Julio.
Find the verb and ask “What?” or “Who?” – that will give you the direct object.
If it is a “who” then use the personal “a” before the direct object.

4. Más Ejemplos He is looking at a pretty girl.
Él mira a una chica bonita.
You (fam.) are looking for Mrs. H.
Tú buscas a la Sra. H.
I greet the students.
Yo saludo a los alumnos.

5. A + el = al
When using the personal “a”: if the word immediately after “a” is “el” you MUST combine the two and write the contraction “al”!
I am looking for the teacher (m.).
Yo busco a el profesor.
Yo busco al profesor.

6. Más Ejemplos Anita looks at the boy. Anita mira a el chico.
Anita mira al chico.
You are looking for Mr. Brown.
Tú buscas a el Sr. Brown.
Tú buscas al Sr. Brown.