Why is there a definite article in "no me gustan los deportes" but not in "si prefieres deportes"?

JamieNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Why is there a definite article in "no me gustan los deportes" but not in "si prefieres deportes"?

Asked 5 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Jamie

With "me gusta" the definite article is always necessary:

"Me gustan los deportes"

"Me gusta el cine"

"Le gustan los chicos rubios."

With preferir it is optionall if you are talking about something general:

"Si prefieres (los) deportes..."

"Yo prefiero (la) pizza."

If we are more specific about what we prefer then we do need the article:

"Ella prefiere la muñeca pequeña. La muñeca grande es muy fea."

(She prefers the small dolly. The big dolly is very ugly.)

Without the article this would be incorrect:

"Ella prefiere muñeca pequeña."

I hope this helps,

Inma

Why is there a definite article in "no me gustan los deportes" but not in "si prefieres deportes"?

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