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Understanding Stem-Changing Verbs in Español
Stem-changing verbs are special verbs in Spanish where the vowel in the stem of the verb changes when you conjugate it. This change happens in all forms except for nosotros and vosotros.
Important Points
Types of stem changes: e -> ie, o -> ue, e -> i, u -> ue
Stem changes happen in the present tense
The stem is the part of the verb before the ending -ar, -er, or -ir
Let's look at different types of stem changes and see some examples.
e -> ie Stem Change
In this type of change, the letter 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.
Examples
Yo pienso que es buena idea.
Ellos quieren jugar.
Tú entiendes la lección.
o -> ue Stem Change
For these verbs, the 'o' in the stem changes to 'ue' except in nosotros and vosotros forms.
Examples
Ella duerme mucho.
Nosotros dormimos aquí.
Ellos pueden venir.
e -> i Stem Change
Here, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'i'. Again, this change does not happen in nosotros and vosotros.
Examples
Yo pido ayuda.
Ellos repiten la pregunta.
Tú sirves la comida.
u -> ue Stem Change
This is a less common change where the 'u' in the stem changes to 'ue'.
Examples
Yo juego al fútbol.
Ellos juegan en el parque.
Tú juegas con tus amigos.
Remember, stem changes are important to use correctly so that others can understand you better. Keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it!
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