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- - Grammar question (https://forums.tomisimo.org/showthread.php?t=20639)

Grammar question

Hola everyone,

I'm self studying spanish, have a grammar question. Was hoping someone could help. In the sentence:

No conozco a mi vecino.

why don't I say --- No conozco mi vecino.

Can i omit the "a" in the sentence?

Thanks,
Garoo

When talking about people, we always insert that "a" and it's not optional.
Informally, it is called the personal a.
It shows some sort of respect for the person.

- Me comí un chocolate.
I ate a chocolate.
- Godzila se comió a mi hermano.
Godzilla ate my brother.
(Even when eating someone is not very respecful, the preposition introduces the person.)

- Llevo adornos para la fiesta.
I'm taking ornaments for the party.
- Llevo a los niños a la escuela.
I'm taking the children to school.

- Amo la vida.
I love life.
- Amo a mis padres.
I love my parents.