Present Tense Stem-Changing VerbsStem-Changing Verbs (aka "shoe" verbs or "boot" verbs) are irregular present tense verbs. They have the same -AR, -ER, & -IR endings like regular present tense verbs, but not there is a change in the stem. In the verb SERVIR, SERV is the stem, IR is the ending. Step #1 to conjugating a stem-changing verb: Conjugate the verb as if it were a regular -AR, -ER or -IR verb. Step #2 to conjugating a stem-changing verb: Draw a line around the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th forms. Why do we do this? It helps us remember which forms require the stem change. After you draw the line around the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th froms, what does it look like? That's right, a shoe. Step #3 to conjugating a stem-changing verb: Make the needed change in the stem of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th forms. E>IE STEM CHANGING VERBS cerrar = to close comenzar = to start/begin despertarse = to wake up (reflexive, see below) divertirse = to enjoy (reflexive, see below) empezar = to start/begin entender = to understand pensar = to think preferir = to prefer querer = to want recomendar = to recommend tener = to have (irregular "yo") O>UE STEM CHANGING VERBS almorzar = to eat lunch dormir = to sleep encontrar = to find/meet poder = to be able to recordar = to remember E>I STEM CHANGING VERBS decir = to say/tell (irregular "yo") pedir = to ask for/order repetir = to repeat servir = to serve U>UE STEM CHANGING VERBS jugar = to play
Despertarse = to wake up Me despierto Nos despertamos Te despiertas Os despertáis Se despierta Se despiertan
Divertirse = to enjoy oneself Me divierto Nos divertimos Te diviertes Os divertís Se divierte Se divierten
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