Modern Spanish Grammar: A Practical Guide

Basic use of prepositions 25.1Favouring use of aNot favouring use of a2 Animals kept as pets Animals in general, and especiallythose having a practical function orused for food3 People viewed as specific individuals Nouns referring to a class of people(especially with the indefinitearticle)4 A number of verbs which denote thestrong influence of the subject on theobject, even when the object is not‘personal’5 To resolve potential ambiguity withverbs expressing a relation ofprecedence, even when the object isnot ‘personal’Verbs which express a generalrelation between subject and object,even when the object is ‘personal’To resolve potential ambiguitywhere the verb also has a ‘personal’direct object and also a ‘personal’indirect objectThis is exemplified below:1But:2But:3But:¿Conoce usted a mi colega Julio Prado? (see 29.4)Have you met my colleague Julio Prado?Criticaron muy duramente al comité.They criticized the committee severely.El buen ciudadano ama a su patria.A good citizen loves his country.Respetemos a la justicia.Let us respect justice.un coche que lleva cinco personasa car which carries five people¡Ven a ver a mi cachorrito!Come and see my little puppy!El gato cogió el gorrión.The cat caught the sparrow.Comimos pollo.We ate chicken.Busco a mi amigo.I’m looking for my friend.Conocí a tres rusos en Lisboa.I met three Russians in Lisbon.117