personal a with animals

Gerald R.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

personal a with animals

If the direct object of a verb is an animal, but not a pet or cherished animal, for example a tiger, is the personal a still indicated?

Busco a un tigre. or,

Busco un tigre.

Asked 2 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Gerald

The use of the personal a in Spanish with animals as direct objects is not a clear-cut rule. We generally use the personal a if we're talking about pets, as it is a more affectionate relationship (as if they were people) and normally don't use it with animals in general, especially if the animals are not "identified" and "not specific". In your sentences:

Busco a un tigre

Busco un tigre

The use of the personal a in the first one makes us think you have a tiger in mind that you are looking for, however the second one is more general. 

Having said this, this rule is a bit flexible sometimes and we see some cases as optional. 

Saludos

Inma

 

Gerald R. asked:

personal a with animals

If the direct object of a verb is an animal, but not a pet or cherished animal, for example a tiger, is the personal a still indicated?

Busco a un tigre. or,

Busco un tigre.

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