2. The Personal “a”

3. Direct Objects You know that the direct object is the person or thing that receives the action of a verb.

4. Direct Objects For example… I bought the shirt. Which word is the direct object?

5. The Personal “a” In Spanish, when the direct object is a specific person or group of people, we use an “a” before it. That’s why it’s called the personal “a."

6. The Personal “a” Which one of these sentences needs an “a” ? I want to visit a museum. I want to visit a museum with my dad. I want to visit my dad.

7. The Personal “a” The “a” doesn’t mean anything. It simply is correct grammatically to put the personal “a” before a direct object that is a person.

8. The Personal “a” What’s wrong with the following sentence? Quiero visitar a el señor López.

9. The Personal “a” To ask who receives the action of a verb, we use A quién? A quién quieres visitar? Quiero visitar a mis primos.

10. The Personal “a” We can also use the personal a when the direct object is an animal, especially a pet. Busco a mi perro.

11. The Personal “a” We usually do not use the personal “a” after the verb tener. Tengo muchos tíos.

12. To Review…Use “a” Before the……when the…..is a ……. When the direct object is an…. Not after the verb…… Good!!