1. The "a" Personal Notes (apuntes): -To an English speaker, the personal "a" appears to be an extra word. -To a Spanish speaker, the personal "a" is required, and to not use it is a serious error.

2. The direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. -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 personal "a." This word has no English translation. Jorge llama a María. (Jorge calls María.)

4. The personal "a" may also be used if the direct object is a domesticated animal if the speaker attaches some sort of personal feelings to it. Amo a mi gato (amar) (I love my cat.) La mujer acaricia a su perro. (acariciar) (The woman pets her dog.)

5. The “a” Personal 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.

6. 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.

7. Practicamos Complete each sentence below with a personal “a” if needed Mark an “X” if the personal “A” is not needed. 1. Yo veo _____ mi hija. 2. Ellos buscan ______ mi mochila. 3. Isabel ayuda ______ su amigo. 4. Tengo ______ dos hermanas. 5. Llamo ______ mi perro Lille. 6. Miro ______ mi compañera de clase. 7. ¿Enseñas a esquiar _______ el hermano de Lupe? 8. Miguel tiene _______ primos. 9. ¿Esperas _______ un taxi?