Personal a
when direct object is a specific person, the personal a is placed before the object:
amo a María
In a question, the a goes before interrogative:
a quién tú hablas
if more than one are mentioned, each takes an a before them:
busco a María y a Felix
if direct object follows an el, a + el becomes al:
veo al presidente
Exceptions to placing a
not used with verbs: ser, tener, hay
Pedro es Méxicano
tienes una hermana
hay dos chicas allí
not used when direct object is unspecified:
necesito una amiga leal
busco un médico
Pets
Pets with whom a personal relationship exists will take an a before them. Other animals will not:
busca a su gato, Felix.
odio los perros
Subjects: