Topic:
Covers the first group of stem-changing verbs in the present tense, forms where "e" changes to "ie".
Introduction to Stem-Changing Verbs
So far we have seen a number of irregular verbs that are each irregular in their own way.
Now we are going to look at a large group of verbs that are all irregular in the same way.
I'm talking about stem-changing verbs, where the root part of the verb changes slightly in the conjugations.
It is best to just look at an example:
The verb entender
means to understand.
Note first that the endings are the normal -er verb endings. What is different here is that in four of the six forms, the verb stem itself has changed.
Instead of using "entend" as the stem, these forms change the final "e" in the stem to "ie", making the stem "entiend".
So this is an "e to ie" stem-changing verb.
The "boot" or "L" shape
If you look at just the four conjugations that are in red, they make the shape of a boot or a large "L".
With stem-changing verbs, the nosotros and vosotros forms continue to use the non-modified stem and are regular.
You can use the boot shape as a way to remember which forms are irregular.
Tired of rules, rules, and more rules?
OK, it's time for a confession, which I hope you find heartening...
When I began to prepare this lesson about stem-changing verbs, I had to pull out my verb book to make sure I explained the method for forming these verbs correctly.
And I've been accurately using these verbs for years now! At some point, the rules just don't matter any more.
Just as you do in English, you will open your mouth and the correct form will come out.
While you may not be at that point yet, you will get there.
So, use the specific conjugation rules as the crutch that they are, but be ready to retire them when the time comes.
Before we move on, let's see another example:
Convertir
means to convert.
The pattern is the same. The normal -ir endings apply, but in the boot the stem changes from "convert" to "conviert".
Another example is querer, which you already learned in the last lesson.
There are many verbs in this group.
The e => ie stem change affects more verbs than any other type.
In many cases, you will be able to guess which verbs need this change. Although the difference is subtle, the correct form entiendo
sounds better than the incorrect entendo.
A list, but don't try to memorize it
The best way to learn these stem-changing verbs is by seeing them repeatedly in the exercises. Start to focus on the way the words sound, instead of how you formed them.
Here are some of the most common verbs in this group. While you can glance over the list, I wouldn't try to memorize it.
Partial list of e => ie stem-changing verbs
| advertir | to advise, to warn |
| calentar | to heat (up), to warm (up) |
| cerrar | to close, to shut, to turn off |
| comenzar | to begin, to start, to commence |
| confesar | to confess |
| convertir | to convert |
| defender | to defend |
| despertar | to wake up (someone) |
| empezar | to begin, to start |
| encender | to incite, to inflame, to kindle, to light |
| entender | to understand |
| enterrar | to bury, to inter, to forget |
| hervir | to boil |
| inferir | to infer |
| invertir | to invert, to turn upside down, to invest money |
| manifestar | to demonstrate, to show, to manifest |
| mentir | to lie, to tell a lie |
| negar | to deny, to refuse (reflexive) |
| pensar | to think, to plan, to intend |
| perder | to lose |
| preferir | to prefer |
| querer | to want, to wish |
| recomendar | to recommend, to commend, to advise |
| referir | to refer, to relate |
| reventar | to burst, to explode |
| sembrar | to sow |
| sentar | to sit |
| sentir | to feel sorry, to regret, to feel |
| sugerir | to hint, to insinuate, to suggest |
| transferir | to transfer |
In the exercises, remember that the nosotros and vosotros forms remain regular.
In the other forms, change the stem e => ie and add the appropriate ending.
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To practice the verb forms in this lesson, click Practice Exercises below.
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