Stem change verbs

-e > -ie-o > -ue -e > -i

There are three types of stem changes which occur:

Some verbs follow a slightly different pattern. We will call these stem change verbs.

They have regular endings like -AR, -ER and -IR verbs, but certain letters change as you go through the verb forming a consistent pattern.

The present tense 11

pedir = to ask for

pedir: -e changes to i

Note! This change only occurs with –IR verbs

Stem change verbs

-e > -i

4. Change the -e to -i on parts 1 2 3 6.

1. Identify the group to which the verb belongs = -ir

2. Write out verb as if it were regular.

3. Identify the vowel to change: it is ALWAYS the vowel just before the infinitive ending.

1. pido2. pides3. pide4. pedimos5. pedís6. piden

The present tense 16

pensar = to think

pensar: -e changes to ie

Stem change verbs

-e > -ie

4. Change the –e to –ie on parts 1 2 3 6.

1. Identify the group to which the verb belongs = -ar

2. Write out verb as if it were regular.

3. Identify the vowel to change: It is ALWAYS the vowel just before the infinitive ending.

1. pienso2. piensas3. piensa4. pensamos5. pensáis6. piensan

Querer and preferir are two more -e > -ie verbs. Can you write each out in full, using the four steps?

The present tense 15

4. Change the -o to -ue on parts 1 2 3 6.

encontrar = to find

1. Identify the group to which the verb belongs = -ar

2. Write out verb as if it were regular.

3. Identify the vowel to change: it is ALWAYS the vowel just before the infinitive ending.

encontrar: o changes to ue1. encuentro2. encuentras3. encuentra4. encontramos5. encontráis6. encuentran

Stem change verbs

-o > -ueThe present tense 12