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Term: | a algn/algo | |
Now that objects have become mandatory again for transitive verbs, we have to sort out the best way of showing the Spanish equivalent of "sb./sth." or "jdn./etw". At the moment in SP-EN we're putting "algo/ a algn" and in SP-DE "a algn / algo". The SP-DE order is more logical because it matches the order of 'jdn./etw" . Some of the SP-EN entries have been changed to 'sth./sb." to match the Spanish order in that dictionary. Needless to say, this is very confusing. There are no tags in the tag box for these objects which have all been put in by typing them individually. I think the problem in SP-EN arose because people feared that "a algn/algo" might be taken for "a algn / a algo". Whatever we decide will not take much effort to put right, but we need to sing from the same hymn sheet in both dictionaries. | ||
Answer: | I've been thinking ... | #587987 |
.. what if we introduce an additional combined abbreviation like: a-algn/algo ? The hyphen would connect the "a" and the "algn", so that this misconception could be avoided. | ||
Answer: | #588004 | |
Another possibility might be " (a) algn/algo " , because it's not 100% true that 'a' cannot be used for non-living objects and must be used for living objects. 'a' can be used to ensure the differentiation between a subject and a non-living direct object. e.g. "una organizacíon que protege a su coche" . (Without the 'a') the sentence could mean "a car which protects your organisation' . Also, the personal 'a' can be omitted with people in a sentence where there is a dative 'a' as well e.g. "Denuncié EL ladron al guardia" I denounced the thief to the police. If you just said "I denounced the thief" it would be "Denuncié AL ladron" . Also 'a' can be used to personify a non-living thing which starts getting complicated. | ||
Answer: | See also: #511548 | #588144 |
I re-activated the corresponding thread in the German-Spanish forum to get more opinions. | ||
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