את before non-objects

[Ali Smith]

שלום

I always thought את was only used before direct objects of verbs. For example, you wouldn't use it here:

האם יש לך מספר הטלפון של רופא טוב?

But today I heard the following:

יש לי את כתובת האימייל שלו.

Is this usage of את correct?

אני מודה כלם מאוד

 

[Drink]

In Modern Hebrew, the object of יש and אין is treated as if it were a direct object.

In Biblical Hebrew, you'll sometimes see it used for definite subjects of passive or stative verbs when the subject precedes the verb for emphasis. Sometimes, not always.

 

[Ali Smith]

Thank you, drink!

So, is it incorrect to say האם יש לך מספר הטלפון של רופא טוב? ?

 

[Drink]

I'm not sure about "correct" or "incorrect", but I think Israelis would an את there.

 

[elroy]

In Modern Hebrew, the object of יש and אין is treated as if it were a direct object.

This is not universal. את is used sometimes, not always.

 

[utopia]

Pupils in school learn that it's incorrect, and that before the subject (never mind what I think about this terminology) of יש / אין sentences there is never את.