1. 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.
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2. 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.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.
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6. To help you identify stem-changing verbs, they will appear as follows throughout the text:
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8. 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.
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9. Comenzar and empezar require the preposition a when they are followed by an infinitive.
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10. 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.
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11. 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
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