8.1.8

Irregular IR Verbs 2

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Stem Changing Verbs (O → UE)

In Spanish in the present tense some IR verbs change when conjugated. The 'u' in the infinitive becomes 'ue'. This does NOT happen in the 'vosotros' and 'nosotros' forms. Derivatives of these verbs follow the same pattern.

Illustrative background for Stem changes O → UEIllustrative background for Stem changes O → UE ?? "content

Stem changes O → UE

  • When conjugated these IR verbs change from their infinitive form.
  • The 'o' in the infinitive changes to 'ue' when conjugated.
    • E.g. Morir (to die) becomes 'muero' (I die).
    • E.g. Muero, mueres, muere, morimos, morís, mueren.
Illustrative background for Dormir - to sleepIllustrative background for Dormir - to sleep ?? "content

Dormir - to sleep

  • Duermo (I sleep).
  • Duermes (you sleep).
  • Duerme (he/she sleeps).
  • Dormimos (we sleep).
  • Dormís (you sleep).
  • Duermen (they sleep).
Illustrative background for Morir - to dieIllustrative background for Morir - to die ?? "content

Morir - to die

  • Muero (I die).
  • Mueres (you die).
  • Muere (he/she dies).
  • Morimos (we die).
  • Morís (you die).
  • Mueren (they die).

Verbs That End in UIR

Verbs that end in UIR in the present tense drop IR and add a 'y' and the normal endings. They do NOT do this in the 'vosotros' and 'nosotros form'. Derivatives of these verbs follow the same pattern.

Illustrative background for Construir - to buildIllustrative background for Construir - to build ?? "content

Construir - to build

  • Construyo - I build.
  • Construyes - you build.
  • Construye - he/she builds.
  • Construimos - we build.
  • Construís - you build.
  • Construyen - they build.
Illustrative background for Contribuir - to contributeIllustrative background for Contribuir - to contribute ?? "content

Contribuir - to contribute

  • Contribuyo - I contribute.
  • Contribuyes - you contribute.
  • Contribuye - he/she contributes.
  • Contribuimos - we contribute.
  • Contribuís - you contibute.
  • Contribuyen - they contribute.

Jump to other topics

1Phonics/Alphabet/Spellings

2You, Family & Home

3School & Jobs

4Town, Shopping, Food, Drink

5Free Time

6Holiday

7The World Around Us

8Present Tense

9Past Tense

10Future Tense

11Conditional

12Grammar

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