Stem-changing verbs deviate from the normal pattern of regular verbs Stem-changing verbs deviate from the normal pattern of regular verbs. Note the spelling changes to the stem in the conjugations below. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
In many verbs, such as empezar (to begin), the stem vowel changes from e to ie. Note that the nosotros/as and vosotros/as forms don’t have a stem change. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
In many other verbs, such as volver (to return), the stem vowel changes from o to ue. The nosotros/as and vosotros/as forms have no stem change. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
As with other stem-changing verbs you have learned, there is no stem change in the nosotros/as or vosotros/as forms in the present tense. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
To help you identify stem-changing verbs, they will appear as follows throughout the text: ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Jugar (to play a sport or game), is the only Spanish verb that has a u:ue stem change. Jugar is followed by a + [definite article] when the name of a sport or game is mentioned. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Comenzar and empezar require the preposition a when they are followed by an infinitive. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
Pensar + [infinitive] means to plan or to intend to do something Pensar + [infinitive] means to plan or to intend to do something. Pensar en means to think about someone or something. ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.
cerrar (e:ie) dormir (o:ue) Provide the present tense forms of these verbs. The first item in each column has been done for you. Ustedes ________. Tú ____. Nosotras ____. Mi hermano ____. Yo ____. Usted ____. Los chicos ____. Ella ____. Mi abuela no _________. Yo no ____. Tú no ____. Mis hijos no ____. Usted no ____. Nosotros no ____. Él no ____. Ustedes no ____. cerrar (e:ie) dormir (o:ue) cierran duerme ©2014 by Vista Higher Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.